The United States had intelligence last year indicating that Israeli officials discussed sending Palestinians into Gaza tunnels they suspected contained explosives, two former U.S. officials told Reuters. The findings were shared with the White House and analyzed by intelligence agencies during the final weeks of former President Joe Biden’s administration.
International law strictly forbids using civilians as shields in military operations. Reports have long accused Israel of such practices in Gaza and the West Bank, but this is a rare instance of Washington confirming its own evidence on the matter. The officials did not clarify whether those referenced were civilians or prisoners.
It remains unclear whether the Biden administration shared the intelligence with Israeli authorities. In response, the Israeli military stated it “prohibits the use of civilians as human shields or coercing them in any way to participate in military operations.” It added that its Military Police Criminal Investigation Division is investigating “suspicions involving Palestinians in military missions.”
In May 2025, seven Palestinians who had been used as human shields shared testimonies in a report. A video verified by Al Jazeera in June 2024 showed Israeli soldiers tying a wounded Palestinian man, Mujahed Azmi, to a military jeep and driving him past ambulances during a raid in Jenin, West Bank. Israel claimed the soldiers involved violated protocol, and the U.S. State Department called the incident “disturbing” and a clear breach of rules.
Israel has faced scrutiny at the United Nations over allegations of torture, particularly since Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. The UN Committee Against Torture questioned 28 Israeli officials in Geneva about alleged systemic abuse of Palestinian detainees, including children. The delegation admitted Israel has no law against torture and does not fully implement international agreements in Gaza and the West Bank.
The UN panel confronted Israel with numerous reports of violations. The Israeli delegation denied most allegations, often claiming soldiers acted in “self-defense.” Videos and reports have shown evidence of torture in military detention facilities, including Sde Teiman prison. Additionally, several Palestinian detainees returned to Gaza since the start of a ceasefire showed signs of mistreatment.
The UN Committee Against Torture will release a non-binding summary of its findings by the end of November. Meanwhile, U.S. intelligence on the use of human shields adds pressure on Israel to address these allegations under international law, reinforcing ongoing concerns about civilian protection during military operations.
