Leaked photos show elderly Palestinians before reported execution by Israeli forces in Beit Lahiya

Photographs taken in November 2024 and recently circulated show two elderly Palestinian men, identified as Naadi and Ali Maruf, in northern Gaza's Beit Lahiya hours before they were killed by Israeli forces, according to the leaked images. The photos depict the two men in the area prior to what the images suggest was their execution by Israeli troops during military operations in the district. Reports accompanying the photographs allege that Israeli forces used the pair as human shields during the operations before killing them. The resurfacing of the images has renewed attention to earlier witness accounts and reports that civilians were used for protective purposes during Israeli military operations in northern Gaza neighborhoods. It has also prompted reminders of the fundamental provisions of international humanitarian law, which prohibit the use of civilians to shield military forces or installations. The renewed circulation of the photographs comes amid continuing Israeli military operations in northern Gaza and ongoing allegations of civilian harm. No further details were immediately available.