The Use of Human Shields: Ethical Dilemmas in Warfare

Overnight, Israel agreed to a cease-fire with the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah — a major turning point in one of the wars the country has been fighting since Hamas attacked it on Oct. 7. But the war in Gaza shows no sign of ending, and Israel’s conduct there is coming under increased scrutiny.

A New York Times investigation has examined one controversial tactic: the Israeli use of Palestinian detainees as human shields.

Natan Odenheimer, a contributing reporter for The Times, explains what the investigation revealed, and what the tactic says about the nature of the conflict.

Guest: Natan Odenheimer, a contributing reporter for The New York Times.

Background reading: 

• A Times investigation found that Israeli soldiers and intelligence agents, throughout the war in Gaza, have regularly forced captured Palestinians to conduct life-threatening reconnaissance missions to avoid putting Israeli soldiers at risk on the battlefield.
• As the cease-fire in Lebanon takes effect, follow live updates.

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