Key facts
- A leaked photograph shows two elderly blindfolded Palestinian men, Nadi Marouf and Ali Marouf, with Israeli soldiers hours before their execution in November 2024.
- Journalist Younis Tirawi claims the men were used as human bait and human shields by the 92nd Battalion of the Kfir Brigade.
- Reports indicate the men were detained for several days, stripped, and forced into buildings before being released and shot.
- The Israeli army stated in May 2025 that using Palestinians as human shields is prohibited and is investigating such cases.
- A UN investigation previously found that forcing civilians into buildings ahead of soldiers violates international humanitarian law.
- Palestinian physician Dr Mazen Rantisi reported abuse and medical neglect during his detention in Israeli prison.
A leaked photograph has emerged showing two elderly blindfolded Palestinian men, identified as Nadi Marouf and Ali Marouf from Beit Lahia, Gaza, hours before they were allegedly executed by Israeli forces in November 2024. Palestinian journalist Younis Tirawi, who published the image, stated the men were used as human bait and subsequently killed by troops from the 92nd Battalion of the Kfir Brigade.
According to earlier reports from October 2025, the men were abducted and held as human shields for several days before being released near al-Tawam roundabout and shot. Images reportedly showed them stripped to their underwear, with one man's hands tied behind his back, and forced to enter buildings ahead of Israeli soldiers. Ramy Abdu, chairman of the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, confirmed that relatives found the men executed after three days of being used as human shields.
This photograph adds to a series of testimonies and images alleging the mistreatment of Palestinian civilians during Israeli military operations in northern Gaza. Independent reporting and testimonies from Palestinians and Israeli soldiers have previously documented instances where civilians were forced to enter buildings and tunnels ahead of Israeli troops to check for explosives or fighters. In May 2025, the Israeli army stated it was investigating such cases and acknowledged that using Palestinians as human shields is strictly prohibited under its orders. A United Nations investigation has previously concluded that such actions violate international humanitarian law.
Separately, Palestinian prisoners continue to report harsh detention conditions. Dr Mazen Rantisi, a 71-year-old physician, reported being denied medication and experiencing beatings and inadequate food during his detention in Ofer Prison. His lawyer and the Belgian rights group Viva Salud have expressed concern over his health and access to medical care.
The broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with the Gaza health ministry reporting over 73,000 Palestinian deaths since the war began in October 2023. Thousands of bodies are believed to remain buried under destroyed buildings. UN agencies warn of critical food insecurity and malnutrition, with tens of thousands of children projected to suffer from acute malnutrition in the coming months.