Leaked Image Raises New Allegations Over Killing of Elderly Palestinians in Gaza
A newly leaked photograph reportedly shows two elderly Palestinian men from Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, blindfolded and standing between Israeli soldiers shortly before they were killed in November 2024.
Palestinian journalist Younis Tirawi identified the men as Nadi Marouf and Ali Marouf and alleged that Israeli forces abducted them and used them as human shields before their deaths. Earlier reports said the men were detained for several days, forced to enter buildings ahead of soldiers and later found shot.
The photograph adds to wider allegations that Palestinian civilians were forced to enter homes and tunnels during Israeli military operations. Israeli authorities have said using civilians as human shields or forcing them to participate in military operations is prohibited and have previously announced investigations into such cases.
A UN investigation has also concluded that forcing Palestinian civilians to enter buildings ahead of soldiers can constitute the use of human shields and violate international humanitarian law.
The allegations come amid continuing international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza, including reports of civilian deaths, detention abuses and severe humanitarian conditions.
