Israeli soldiers use Gaza citizens as shields to save their dogs from Hamas booby traps, ambush: IDF's shocking 'mosquito protocol'

Israeli soldiers are using Palestinian citizens as human shields in Gaza, a report said. Captive men are sent into buildings wearing military clothes with cameras attached to their foreheads, where the IDF suspects Hamas fighters may be hiding. After finishing with one building, these people are handed over by IDF soldiers to another unit, which repeats the operation against the Palestinians' will.

 

The Israeli soldiers intimidate the captives to go on these runs which could end -- threatening to shoot them if they disagree, the Associated Press said in a report quoting a survivor. 

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Meanwhile, Israeli soldiers confirmed the use of Gaza residents as human shields during the ground operations, claiming that it was approved by their higher-ups in Tel Aviv. Every platoon "used a Palestinian to clear locations" the US news agency said quoting a source. In a shocking revelation, the soldiers added that it was preferred by units as it sped up operations, saved ammunition, and spared combat dogs from injury or death.

 

The Israeli military calls it the "mosquito protocol" while Palestinians used are referred to as "wasps", the report said.

 

 

 

 

However, IDF has officially denied the claim, stating that its men and women in Gaza are strictly prohibited from using civilians as shields. It is a practice used by Hamas fighters in Gaza for long -- a major reason for the loss of innocent lives in the conflict.

 

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Abu Hamadan, a survivor of the inhuman practice by the IDF, told the press that he was forced to clear houses, tunnels and other suspected Hamas hideouts for 17 days. He was taken away from his family by Israeli soldiers who said that "he'd help with a special mission." The soldiers waited behind as Hamadan went in, only entering and destroying the place after his return confirmed it was safe.

 

 

 

 

Rights groups say Israel has used Palestinians as shields in Gaza and the West Bank for decades. 

Middle East