AP reported on Israel's use of human shield tactics in the Gaza Strip

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) systematically uses so-called human shields in the Gaza Strip. This was reported by the Associated Press on May 24, citing stories from Israeli soldiers and former prisoners.

"Orders often came from above, and sometimes almost every platoon used Palestinians to clear positions," said an Israeli officer who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of persecution.

Several Palestinians and Israeli soldiers told the agency that the IDF systematically forces Palestinians to act as human shields in the Gaza Strip. They are sent to buildings and tunnels to check for explosives or the Hamas military. This practice has become widespread.

The Associated Press spoke with seven Palestinians who were used as human shields, and with two IDF soldiers who engaged in similar actions.

One of the Palestinians was forced to search houses for 17 days and "check every hole in the ground for a tunnel." He spent every night tied up in a dark room.

The Israeli soldiers confirmed that their commanders knew about the use of human shields and did nothing about it.

Pressure point: Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza as part of its operation

The IDF has stepped up operations around the entire perimeter of the exclave — during one of the strikes, the head of the military wing of Hamas was killed.

On May 23, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced the onset of the "most violent phase" of the conflict in Gaza, which is caused by famine. According to him, without fast, reliable, safe and constant access to help, there may be more victims.