The US has obtained evidence of questionable practices by the Israeli army in Gaza

U.S. intelligence has obtained information indicating that Israeli soldiers may have sent Palestinians into tunnels in Gaza that they believed to be rigged with explosives.

This practice could constitute a violation of international law prohibiting the use of civilians as human shields. The findings were analyzed during the final weeks of the Biden administration, but the public was not yet aware of them.

It is unclear whether they involved civilians or prisoners. The Israeli military denies the practices, but has admitted that it is investigating some cases. The information has raised concerns in the White House and among US lawyers, as it could lead to allegations of war crimes.

The final position, however, was that the available evidence was insufficient to indict Israel. If it came to that, the US would have to restrict arms shipments.

(reuters, mja)