However, testimonies from civilians indicated its widespread use across multiple areas: northern Gaza, Khan Younis, Gaza City and Rafah.
"They would ask us to do things like, 'move this carpet,' saying they were looking for tunnels," 20-year-old civilian Mohammad Saad recounted his experience to _CNN_.
Another civilian hiding out with his family was detained for roughly 10 days, during which time he was used as a human shield.
He was later released without any charge.