US presses Israel to probe allegations troops using Gazans as human shields in explosive tests
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
US State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel brands as “very disturbing” a recent report that the IDF has been using Palestinian civilians as guinea pigs to test for hidden explosives, sending them first into tunnels and buildings it fears might be booby-trapped.
“We would urge Israel to immediately and transparently investigate these allegations and hold any potential perpetrators accountable,” Patel says when asked about a Haaretz report that included the claim, which the Israel Defense Forces did not deny.
“Israel has a responsibility to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law, but I also just want to stress that they are just reports at this point, and that is why we would encourage Israel to look into [these allegations],” he adds.
