US and Israel-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) denied blame for the recent Palestinian fatalities close to its aid centers. There have been hundreds of deaths in recent weeks among children collecting food in Gaza. But GHF leader Johnnie Moore debunked allegations that the fatalities were close to GHF locations. He accused international agencies, including the UN, of circulating what he described as unverified information.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) meanwhile have opened an inquiry within their ranks following allegations soldiers were instructed to shoot at civilians congregating at relief centers.
GHF Chief Dismisses Criticism
In an interview with the BBC, GHF chief Johnnie Moore came to the defense of the organization being in Gaza. He conceded that Gazans did perish but challenged the assertion that “100 per cent” of victims were caused by close proximity to GHF centers.
“We spend a great amount of time trying to figure out what really occurred, if anything really did occur,” Moore stated. He maintained there is “no evidence” that individuals were killed while making their way to GHF-run locations.
Johnnie Moore also charged international agencies with spreading misinformation, specifically regarding the security of civilians traveling to GHF distribution centers.
Deaths Mount as Hunger Crisis Deepens
As Israel’s blockade of Gaza persists, thousands have swarmed food centers to survive. Accounts from Gaza cite hundreds of civilians who have been killed attempting to fetch aid, with numerous others near GHF centers.
Aid workers in the field and eyewitnesses have testified to stampedes, and, in a few instances, open fire. GHF disputes these deaths taking place near its locations, but independent reports continue to provide grave concerns.
IDF Probes Potential War Crimes
In a stunning twist, the IDF has opened an investigation into whether Israeli troops systematically shot Palestinian civilians at aid facilities. The probe follows unnamed statements provided to Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
Troops said they were instructed to shoot close to individuals picking up food in order to keep them at bay from Israeli forces. Some conceded to having felt uncomfortable with opening fire at unarmed civilians.
Israeli Government, IDF Shun Allegations
Despite the affidavits, the Israeli army has also denied any misdeed. It said, “IDF orders forbid intentional attacks on civilians.” Even Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz rejected the Haaretz report. Together, they referred to the report as “malicious falsehoods aimed at smearing the IDF, the world’s most moral military.”
Yet the backlash from both the GHF denials and the IDF investigation has provoked widespread outrage. As hunger increases, cries for responsibility are only mounting.
