The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have begun investigating allegations of war crimes. Evidence shows that some soldiers may have fired at Palestinians collecting food at aid centres in Gaza.
Soldiers Reveal Shocking Orders
Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that anonymous soldiers spoke about their experiences. They said their commanders told them to shoot at crowds near food distribution points. The goal was to keep people away from Israeli military zones.
However, the soldiers said they were uncomfortable. They believed the Palestinians gathering food posed no danger.
Deaths at Aid Centres Mount
In recent weeks, hundreds of Palestinians have died while trying to get food. Many victims were children. These deaths happened after months of Israeli blockade that cut off food and supplies.
Most of the reported deaths occurred near aid centres run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The GHF receives support from the U.S. and Israel.
IDF Denies the Accusations
The IDF strongly rejected the claims in the Haaretz report. In a statement, it said, “no forces had been ordered ‘to deliberately shoot at civilians, including those approaching the distribution centres’.”
It also added, “To be clear, IDF directives prohibit deliberate attacks on civilians.”
Top Leaders Defend the Military
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz also denied the report. In a joint statement, they accused Haaretz of spreading “malicious falsehoods designed to defame the IDF, the most moral military in the world.”
UN Struggles to Send Aid
Since the partial lifting of the blockade last month, the United Nations has tried to deliver aid. But many challenges remain. Roads are destroyed. The military has restricted movement. Airstrikes continue. Law and order are breaking down.
As a result, armed groups and desperate civilians have looted hundreds of aid trucks.
Airstrike Kills 18 in Deir al-Balah
On Thursday, an Israeli airstrike killed 18 people in Deir al-Balah. Medical officials confirmed the deaths. The strike hit Palestinian police officers who were handing out flour in a busy market.
