Breaking the Silence Report Details Over a Dozen Soldier Testimonies on Human Shield Use in Gaza

Breaking the Silence, an Israeli organization of veteran soldiers, recently highlighted its comprehensive report detailing allegations of the systematic use of human shields by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip. The report, published on May 24, 2025, is based on testimonies collected from over a dozen Israeli soldiers who served in Gaza during the current conflict, alongside accounts from several Palestinian detainees. The organization shared the "full piece in English" via a tweet, calling it "a must read" and tagging journalists Nir Hasson, Bar Peleg, and Yaniv Kub, known for their coverage of Israeli-Palestinian affairs.

The testimonies describe incidents where Israeli soldiers allegedly forced Palestinian civilians to walk in front of them during raids, search buildings for explosives, or serve as lookouts, thereby exposing them to potential harm. This practice, if proven, constitutes a war crime under international law. The report aims to shed light on conduct that, according to the group, deviates from ethical military standards.

Breaking the Silence, founded in 2004, comprises former Israeli soldiers who collect and publish testimonies from their service in the occupied Palestinian territories. Their mission is to expose the realities of the occupation and foster public debate within Israel about the moral implications of military actions. The organization has consistently faced criticism from the Israeli government and right-wing groups, who accuse it of disloyalty.

Nadav Weiman, Executive Director of Breaking the Silence, stated in the report's release that these are "not isolated accounts; they point to a systemic failure and a horrifying moral collapse." He emphasized the paradox, noting, "Israel rightly condemns Hamas for using civilians as human shields, but our own soldiers describe doing the very same." The Israeli military has denied the allegations, asserting that its forces operate in strict adherence to international law and that all claims of misconduct are thoroughly investigated.

The publication of these testimonies adds to growing international scrutiny of Israel's military conduct in Gaza, particularly following the October 2023 attacks by Hamas. Human rights organizations frequently criticize Israel's investigations into alleged abuses, calling for independent inquiries. The report urges for thorough investigations into these allegations, emphasizing the critical need for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law.