'Used as human bait': Leaked image shows elderly Palestinian men before execution by Israeli forces

A recently leaked photograph captures two elderly Palestinian men from Beit Lahia in Gaza moments before their execution by Israeli forces in November 2024. Palestinian journalist Younis Tirawi published the image, depicting the men blindfolded and standing between two Israeli military personnel. The soldiers had abducted Nadi Marouf and Ali Marouf from their home and used them as human shields for several days prior to their deaths.

According to Tirawi, the photograph was taken hours before the men were killed. The Palestine Chronicle previously reported that the men had been detained and released near al-Tawam roundabout before being executed. Human rights advocates have raised concerns about the treatment of Palestinian civilians during Israeli military operations in northern Gaza, citing numerous testimonies and images that document the abuse of civilians as human shields.