IDF posts video of child allegedly used by terrorists to move weapons in Gaza

The IDF on Sunday released video footage that it said shows a child being given weapons and ammunition to transport into a civilian home in central Gaza, accusing Hamas terrorists of deliberately using the child because they believed Israeli forces would not strike while he was present.

According to the IDF, the weapons were being transferred for use against Israeli civilians and IDF troops operating near the so-called “yellow line” in Gaza, which separates areas under IDF control from areas under Hamas control.

The IDF said the footage provides another example of terrorist organizations exploiting children for military purposes and deliberately placing them in situations that restrict the IDF’s ability to respond.

“This is another example of the systematic exploitation of children by terrorist organizations for terrorist purposes,” the IDF said in a statement.

❗️ CHILDREN IN GAZA EXPLOITED: Footage shows a terrorist using a child to transfer weapons into a civilian home in central Gaza, using him as a human shield to transfer the weapons, in an attempt to prevent the IDF from striking & thwarting their transfer.

Upon identifying the… pic.twitter.com/0s8C4ErcVy

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 27, 2026

The IDF added that Southern Command troops were deployed in the area under the ceasefire agreement from last October and “will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat.”

In this case, the IDF said its forces refrained from firing while the child was in the area.

According to the IDF website, Hamas and other anti-Israel terrorist groups routinely use children to take advantage of the IDF’s rules of engagement, which restrict the use of force when identifiable non-combatants are in the vicinity of a potential target.

The IDF also accused Hamas of exposing children to military ideology and training from a young age.

“From an early age, students in Gaza encounter educational material that glorifies violence and portrays armed “resistance” as an important part of the Palestinian national struggle.

“This goes beyond the classroom. Hamas-run summer camps and youth programs have included weapons training and military-style exercises alongside sports and religious activities. In some of these programs, children have been taught how to handle weapons, move through tunnels and more.

The IDF further alleged that Hamas has used children during active military operations, including to transfer ammunition and assess the damage following attacks.

“Intensifying the damage, Hamas has even utilized children during active military operations (and) Hamas intentionally uses children to transfer ammunition because they know that the IDF complies with international law and will not harm children.

“After attacks inside active combat zones, Hamas sends children to assess the damage to the area and report back to terrorists hiding in shelters. By deliberately endangering children, Hamas exploits their innocence and threatens the lives they claim to defend.

“Providing a safe environment for children in Gaza is impossible when military infrastructure is deliberately placed in civilian environments.”

Despite its accusations against Hamas, the IDF said its forces maintain strict rules of engagement intended to protect civilians, particularly children, during military operations.

“When the IDF conducts strikes, its only objective is to dismantle Hamas’ military infrastructure and prevent future terrorist attacks,” the IDF website says. “For the IDF, civilian safety is always the priority and it will take risks to defend it, including risks to the success of IDF operations.

The IDF concluded by emphasizing what it described as the need to protect Gaza’s children from Hamas’ ideology.

“The future of Gaza’s children shouldn’t be defined by Hamas’ extremist ideology, which promotes violence as a form of ‘resistance’. This shouldn’t be their reality.”