A recent report by Defense for Children International – Palestine (DCIP) has shed light on the disturbing practice of Israeli forces using Palestinian children as human shields in the occupied West Bank. According to DCIP, three Palestinian boys, ages 11, 12, and 14, were used as human shields by Israeli forces during a military incursion into Tulkarem refugee camp on May 6, 2024.
Accounts of the Incidents
- 11-year-old Karam:
- Israeli forces entered Karam’s home, isolated his family, and forced him to walk in front of them as they searched Palestinian homes and neighborhoods. Karam was also forced to carry a soldier’s rifle on his shoulder while they fired shots toward an apartment building. He was beaten with black sticks and kept with the building’s residents until 7 pm without food.
- 12-year-old Mohammad:
- Mohammad was taken away from his family by Israeli soldiers and forced to knock on doors, asking residents to come out. He was also forced to search empty apartments and was beaten with a wooden stick. A soldier placed a rifle on his shoulder and fired several bullets at the ceiling.
- 14-year-old Ibrahim:
- Ibrahim was interrogated, threatened, and kicked by Israeli soldiers. He was handcuffed and forced to walk in front of the soldiers, entering homes and asking residents to come out.
International Law and Israeli Response
The use of civilians, including children, as human shields is prohibited under international law and constitutes a war crime. Despite a 2005 ruling by the Israeli High Court of Justice prohibiting this practice, DCIP has documented 34 cases of Palestinian children being used as human shields by Israeli forces since 2000. Only one case led to the conviction of two soldiers, who received suspended sentences.
Concerns and Condemnation
The DCIP has strongly condemned the use of Palestinian children as human shields, emphasizing the grave danger and trauma it poses to these young victims. Ayed Abu Eqtaish, Accountability Program Director at DCIP, stated that Israeli forces’ actions constitute a war crime and highlighted the need for accountability.
