Hamas has reportedly moved hostages from underground
locations to above ground in Gaza to use them as human shields, a tactic widely
condemned by international observers. Israeli sources and multiple media
outlets claim this move endangers civilians and complicates rescue efforts amid
ongoing conflict.
Hamas’s Hostage Tactic in Gaza
As reported by Alex Crawford of Sky News, Hamas militants have been relocating hostages from underground hideouts to above-ground areas in Gaza, positioning them purposely to deter Israeli military strikes. This move, designed to use human lives as protective shields, has intensified the humanitarian crisis within Gaza’s dense urban environment.
According to diplomatic and intelligence sources cited by
Laura Hughes of The Times, Hamas’s strategy reflects desperation amid mounting
pressure from Israeli airstrikes but also represents a clear violation of
international humanitarian law. This action places civilians and hostages in
perilous conditions, as it invites strikes into densely populated civilian
zones.
Israeli Military Response and Statements
Israeli military officials, as reported by Itamar Ben-Gvir
through The Jerusalem Post, have condemned Hamas's actions unequivocally. They
assert that Hamas’s tactic demonstrates the group’s disregard for civilian
safety and international norms, forcing Israeli forces to undertake extremely
cautious operations to avoid hostage casualties. Israeli spokespersons have
emphasized the complexity added to military planning due to these human shield
tactics.
In a statement covered by Reuters, an Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) spokesperson stated,
“Hamas’s deliberate positioning of hostages above ground in highly populated areas is a cruel tactic aimed solely at using innocent lives to shield terror operations. We remain committed to minimising civilian casualties while persistently targeting Hamas infrastructure”.
Humanitarian Impact and International Perspective
The relocation of hostages above ground has drawn sharp
international criticism. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights,
as quoted in the BBC, condemned the practice, urging both Hamas and the Israeli
military to ensure the safety of civilians and detainees, and to abide strictly
by international law principles protecting non-combatants.
Mary Robinson, former UN Special Envoy for Human Rights, in a statement carried by Al Jazeera, noted,
“Using hostages as human shields is a blatant breach of human rights and international conventions. It endangers lives and escalates the suffering of Gaza’s civilian population already trapped amid conflict”.
Gaza’s Civilian Toll and Hostage Conditions
Reports from Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) and other humanitarian organisations highlight the deteriorating conditions for those held hostage. As conveyed by Sophie McNeill of ABC News, hostages moved above ground are reported to be held in overcrowded, unsafe environments with limited access to medical care, food, and water, severely exacerbating their plight.
Locals interviewed by The Guardian describe a climate of
fear as airstrikes continue despite the presence of hostages in residential
areas, which has led to devastating casualties among innocent civilians caught
in crossfire.
Broader Conflict Context
This development is part of an intensifying conflict cycle
between Hamas and Israeli forces in Gaza, following escalations beginning
earlier in 2025. The use of hostages as human shields is viewed by military
analysts like Michael Herzog in Jerusalem Report as a tactic to complicate
Israel’s operational capabilities and to draw international criticism against
Israeli strikes.
However, Israeli Prime Minister’s office, as reported by
Reuters, assures the public and international community that the IDF is
adapting its strategies to mitigate hostage risks while continuing efforts to
dismantle Hamas’s control in Gaza.
The relocation of hostages above ground by Hamas to serve as human shields has aggravated an already dire humanitarian and security situation in Gaza. This tactic has drawn condemnation from global leaders, humanitarian agencies, and media alike while complicating Israeli military operations. The safety and release of hostages remain a critical concern amid ongoing violence.