'Israel' Sent Palestinians into Explosive Tunnels

US intelligence collected last year reportedly captured Israeli officials discussing incidents in which Palestinians were sent into Gaza tunnels that Israeli forces suspected might contain explosives, Reuters reported, citing two former US officials familiar with the matter.

The scheme has also been widely deployed during raids on the West Bank.

The intelligence was shared with the White House and examined by the US intelligence community during the final weeks of former President Joe Biden’s administration. International law prohibits the use of civilians as shields during military operations.

Officials within the Biden administration had long expressed concern over media reports suggesting Israeli soldiers were using Palestinians to shield themselves in Gaza.

The new intelligence reportedly provided Washington with its own confirmation on the issue, which had not been previously reported. [MORE]