The two Israeli soldiers who infamously used a 9-year-old Palestinian boy as a human shield during Israel’s 2009 war on Gaza have avoided jail time, getting off with demotions and three-month suspended sentences. –JCL

The Guardian:

Two Israeli soldiers who used a nine-year-old Palestinian boy as a human shield were today given suspended sentences and demoted after being convicted of “inappropriate conduct”.

The unnamed soldiers, from the Givati Brigade, ordered Majeh Rabah, from the Tel al-Hawa neighbourhood in Gaza City, to check bags for explosives in January 2009, towards the end of Israel’s three-week offensive. The Israel Defence Force handbook forbids the use of human shields, known as “neighbour procedure” .

The pair, who completed their compulsory military service 18 months ago, were convicted last month after a closed military trial that became a cause célèbre among soldiers who claim they are being victimised following international criticism over Israel’s actions during the war.

Read more

 Your support matters…

Independent journalism is under threat and overshadowed by heavily funded mainstream media.

You can help level the playing field. Become a member.

Your tax-deductible contribution keeps us digging beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that unearths what's really happening- without compromise.

Give today to support our courageous, independent journalists.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG