Israel "systematically" separating Gaza children from their parents: report

A recent investigation by a Palestinian rights group revealed that the Israeli army is involved in systematically separating children from their parents to use them as human shields against Hamas attacks in Gaza.

Since the onset of the Gaza offensive in October 2023, Israeli airstrikes have targeted children in tents, schools, and playgrounds, with many being found decapitated or severely burned in the rubble.

The ongoing bombings have left many children orphaned, and they are now facing amputations, disease, psychological trauma, and starvation due to Israel's blockade of aid.

Defense for Children International-Palestine (DCIP) documented at least 31 cases of the Israeli military using Palestinian children as human shields since 2000.

On December 27, 2023, the Israeli army attacked a neighbourhood in Gaza City, detaining several Palestinians, including eight children.

Three of these children, aged 11, 12, and 13, were stripped naked and forced to walk in front of Israeli tanks as the military advanced through the streets.

In another incident, a 14-year-old boy and his family, who were fleeing their homes while waving a white flag, were detained and coerced into walking in front of Israeli tanks to shield the Israeli army from Hamas attacks.

Palestinian children in captivity reported severe torture and Israeli soldiers accused them that “they are all Hamas.”

The rights group stated that such practices are sanctioned by high-ranking Israeli officials who instruct soldiers to use Palestinian children as human shields.

According to Israeli newspaper, Haaretz, the Israeli army picks out Palestinian children from the detainees and dresses them up in IDF uniforms, and uses them as human shields during raids and tunnel operations.