Palestinians and soldiers claim Israeli troops are using them as human shields in Gaza, forcing them to check buildings and tunnels for explosives

Several Palestinians and soldiers said the Israeli army is forcing them to act as human shields in Gaza, sending them to inspect buildings for militants. The practice, considered dangerous and prohibited under international law, has been reported as frequent during the conflict. The Israeli army denies the accusations, saying it prohibits using civilians in this way, but human rights groups warn that such practices have become systematic. Soldiers have admitted they have been ordered to use Palestinians in operations, calling it "mosquito protocol".