Sign in Subscribe
Prime ministers

Israeli Military Rejects Claims of Shooting at Palestinians Near Aid Sites in Gaza

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have categorically denied allegations that Israeli soldiers deliberately shot at Palestinians approaching aid sites in Gaza, labelling the claims "malicious falsehoods designed to defame" the military. The Haaretz article that sparked the controversy reported that more than 500 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds more wounded while seeking food from aid sites in the territory, which were set up about a month ago by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed organization.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Israeli military confirmed that it is investigating incidents in which civilians were harmed while approaching aid sites, but rejected allegations of deliberate fire toward civilians.
  • The Gaza Health Ministry reported that more than 500 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds more wounded while seeking food from aid sites in the territory.
  • Palestinians have frequently encountered chaos and violence on their way to and at the aid sites, with tens of thousands desperate for food after a 2 1/2-month siege imposed by Israel.
  • The bodies of eight people who died Friday had come to Shifa Hospital from a GHF site in Netzarim, although the cause of death was unclear.
  • A GHF spokesperson denied any knowledge of incidents at or near their sites on Friday.
  • Thousands of Palestinians walk for hours to reach the hubs, moving through Israeli military zones where witnesses say Israeli troops regularly open fire with heavy barrages.
  • The Gaza Health Ministry has reported that more than 6,000 people have been killed and over 20,000 injured in Gaza since the ceasefire collapsed on March 18.
  • Doctors Without Borders condemned the distribution system as "a slaughter masquerading as humanitarian aid" and called for it to be immediately shut down.

Statistics:

  • 500+ Palestinians killed while seeking food from aid sites in Gaza.
  • Hundreds of Palestinians wounded while seeking food at aid sites.
  • Over 6,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza since the ceasefire collapsed on March 18.
  • Over 20,000 Palestinians injured in Gaza since the ceasefire collapsed on March 18.
  • More than 56,000 Palestinians killed since the start of the war, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
  • Over 132,000 Palestinians injured since the start of the war, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
  • Women and children make up more than half of the 56,000 dead.
  • 1,200+ people killed and around 250 taken hostage in southern Israel during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
  • Approximately 50 people still remain in captivity in Gaza.
  • Israeli forces have killed six people and wounded 10 in strikes on a group of citizens near the Martyrs Roundabout in the Bureij Camp in central Gaza Strip.

Sources:

  • Haaretz article on allegations of Israeli military firing at Palestinians near aid sites in Gaza.
  • Gaza Health Ministry report on casualties in Gaza since the ceasefire collapsed on March 18.
  • Associated Press article on reactions to the Haaretz piece and the distribution system.
  • Doctors Without Borders statement condemning the distribution system.
  • United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres' statement urging a return to the UN's long-tested distribution system for aid in Gaza.
  • Israeli military press release on investigation into incidents in which civilians were harmed while approaching aid sites.

Read more