After Israeli soldiers detained Mohammed Shubeir and his family in early March, he was held for approximately 10 days before being released without charge. During his detention, Shubeir, then 17, reported being used as a human shield, forced to walk handcuffed through the ruins of Khan Younis in southern Gaza to search for explosives set by Hamas. He described a harrowing experience where he encountered a series of wires connected to explosives, stating, “The soldiers sent me like a dog to a booby-trapped apartment.” An investigation by The New York Times revealed that Israeli soldiers and intelligence agents have routinely compelled captured Palestinians to undertake dangerous reconnaissance missions during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This practice, which is illegal under both Israeli and international law, has reportedly been employed by at least 11 squads across five cities in Gaza, often involving officers from Israeli intelligence agencies. Detainees have been coerced into scouting locations believed to be ambush sites or booby traps, a method that has become increasingly common since the war began last October. The Times interviewed several Israeli soldiers who confirmed that the use of detainees in such operations was organized and systematic, with significant logistical support and the knowledge of superiors. Many soldiers noted that detainees were often handled and transported by intelligence officers, indicating a coordinated effort across different military units. While the Israeli military stated that its directives prohibit the use of detained civilians for military operations, the accounts provided by both soldiers and detainees suggest otherwise. International law explicitly forbids the use of civilians or combatants as shields against attack, and experts assert that forcing Palestinian detainees to explore dangerous areas constitutes a violation of these laws. The Israeli military has previously employed similar tactics, known as the “neighbor procedure,” which was banned by Israel’s Supreme Court in 2005. The court ruled that individuals from occupied territories should not be placed in harm's way during military operations. The conflict in Gaza escalated last October following attacks by Hamas, which prompted a significant Israeli military response. While Israel has faced criticism for its handling of civilian casualties, it has defended its actions by claiming that Hamas uses civilian areas to shield its operations. However, the use of human shields by Israeli soldiers has raised serious ethical and legal concerns. Prof. Michael N. Schmitt, an expert on military law, stated that the practice of using civilians or captured individuals for reconnaissance missions is unprecedented in recent military history and could be classified as a war crime. Some Israeli soldiers expressed discomfort with the practice, indicating that it was driven by a desire to minimize risks to their units. Reports from Palestinian detainees further illustrate the dangers they faced, with accounts of being forced to search for explosives and potential ambushes. In one instance, Basheer al-Dalou, a pharmacist, described being coerced into searching a yard for hidden explosives while being threatened by soldiers. He recounted a terrifying experience where he was ordered to move debris and was nearly shot when a cat startled the soldiers. Similarly, Shubeir detailed his experiences of being monitored by a drone while searching for tunnel entrances and explosives, highlighting the perilous conditions under which he was forced to operate. The investigation also uncovered instances where detainees were used to explore tunnels beneath significant locations, including a United Nations compound, further illustrating the extent of this controversial practice. Despite the Israeli military's refusal to comment on specific incidents, the testimonies from soldiers and detainees paint a troubling picture of the treatment of captured individuals during the ongoing conflict.