Israel’s military has rejected allegations that its forces deliberately fired at Palestinian civilians near Gaza aid distribution sites, amid reports of dozens killed in recent weeks.
The Israeli military said it “strongly rejects” accusations by the Haaretz newspaper that IDF officials ordered soldiers to shoot at civilians approaching aid centers. The military stated that its directives prohibit deliberate attacks on civilians and that the soldiers quoted in the report are not recognized in the field.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned the report, calling it “blood libel” and a “vicious lie.” They claimed that the IDF is operating under difficult conditions against a terrorist enemy and that soldiers receive clear orders to avoid harming innocent civilians.
The Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) said it has not witnessed any incidents or fatalities at its distribution sites but called on Israel to investigate the allegations. The organization stated that the incidents are “too grave to ignore” and urged transparency in publishing the results of any investigations.
Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed near areas where food was being handed out, according to Hamas-run local hospitals. Reports suggest that Israeli soldiers were told to fire at crowds to keep them back and use lethal force against people who appeared to pose no threat.
The army has conducted investigations into these incidents and given new instructions to ground forces. However, it has yet to publish its findings. The situation remains dire in Gaza, where a shortage of food and basic supplies persists after nearly two years of military conflict.
Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-859245