US State Department Calls on Israel to Investigate Use of Civilians as Human Shields

The US State Department today urged Israel to quickly investigate and ensure accountability following reports of the Israeli army using civilians as human shields. Deputy Spokesman Vedant Patel stated during a press conference held in Washington, "We have seen these troubling reports in the video. The Israeli army said it is investigating the incident and that what was captured in these videos does not reflect its values, and it was a clear violation of its orders and regulations. I will let the Israelis speak, but we again call on Israel to expedite their investigation and ensure accountability for any abuses and violations, and we will continue to clarify to the Israeli government that there are certainly expectations for them to act in accordance with the laws of armed conflict." For its part, Hamas stated that "the use of Palestinian prisoners by the Israeli occupation army as human shields during its military operations in the Gaza Strip constitutes a complete war crime," calling for accountability.