Legal expert Anees Qassem has condemned the Israeli army’s use of Palestinians as human shields, calling it a crime under international law that reflects the occupation’s colonial and racist mentality. In a statement to Shihab Agency, Qassem cited evidence of brutal treatment by Israeli soldiers, including the Defense Minister’s dehumanizing description of Palestinians as "human animals," highlighting a systematic policy of rights violations.  

Qassem emphasized that these actions place significant legal responsibility on Israel, particularly before the International Criminal Court (ICC). His remarks follow an anonymous Israeli officer’s revelation in *Haaretz* that the army uses Palestinians as human shields at least six times daily in Gaza. The officer described the "mosquito" procedure, where innocent Palestinians are forced to enter homes or tunnels to check for militants or explosives, calling it a widespread and systematic crime.  

The ICC has already issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice is reviewing South Africa’s genocide case against Israel.  

Qassem and the officer’s accounts underscore the urgent need for accountability, as such practices reveal the occupation’s disregard for Palestinian lives and international law.