Israel is investigating reports that soldiers in Gaza forced Palestinians to act as human shields, sending them into buildings and tunnels to check for bombs and gunmen.

The IDF stated that such actions are prohibited, but said several cases are under investigation.

Testimonies from both Palestinians and former soldiers suggest the practice is widespread and has been used to speed up operations.

Rights groups expressed alarm over what they describe as a systemic failure, The Guardian has reported.

The practice was previously banned by Israel’s high court in 2002, but reports of its continued use have surfaced, including recent video footage and testimonies.

Written by B.C. Begley