Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have vehemently denied a report published in the Israeli daily Haaretz alleging that Israeli soldiers have received orders to shoot Palestinians approaching aid distribution points in Gaza. They described the report as malicious falsehoods intended to smear the Israeli military.
The controversy follows reports from Gaza’s Health Ministry indicating that over 500 Palestinians have been killed while seeking food aid since the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) began distributing supplies approximately a month ago. Palestinian witnesses claim Israeli troops have fired upon crowds heading towards the aid distribution sites. The Israeli military acknowledges investigating incidents resulting in civilian casualties near these sites, but strongly refutes the allegations of intentional targeting.
The GHF, supported by an American private contractor, operates four aid distribution points primarily in southern Gaza. While the GHF claims no knowledge of these incidents, they have called for a transparent investigation into the allegations.
The situation at the aid distribution sites has been described as chaotic and violent. Tens of thousands of desperate Palestinians, facing a 2 1/2-month-long Israeli siege cutting off food, water, and medicine, have endured hazardous journeys to reach the aid. Reports detail Palestinians being shot at while en route to and at the aid sites, while the Israeli military maintains that only warning shots have been fired.
One displaced Palestinian, Mohammad Fawzi, recounted his experience, stating that he only received empty boxes despite the arduous journey. Doctors Without Borders has condemned the current aid distribution system, labeling it a ‘slaughter masquerading as humanitarian aid’ and demanding its immediate closure.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in a staggering death toll, with over 6,000 people killed and more than 20,000 injured in Gaza since a ceasefire collapsed in March. The overall casualty count since the war’s beginning stands at over 56,000 dead and 132,000 injured, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. While the ministry doesn’t differentiate between combatants and civilians, it reports that women and children account for over half of the fatalities. Israel contends that only militants are targeted, blaming Hamas for civilian casualties due to the militants’ actions within populated areas.
The current crisis stems from the Hamas-led attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant loss of life and hostage-taking. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has urged leaders to prioritize a ceasefire and a return to the UN’s established aid distribution system, emphasizing that the search for food should not be a death sentence.
The situation remains tense, with ongoing reports of violence and a desperate humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The conflicting accounts and high number of casualties highlight the urgent need for a peaceful resolution and a reassessment of the current aid distribution strategy.
