 "IDF opens probe into possible war crimes in Gaza as hundreds die seeking aid")
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have opened an investigation into possible war crimes after more evidence points to the possibility of its troops deliberately opening fire at Palestinians receiving food at aid distribution centres across Gaza.
Anonymous Israeli soldiers have told Israeli newspaper Haaretz that troops had been told to shoot at crowds of Palestinian citizens collecting aid near food distribution sites to keep them away from Israeli military positions. The soldiers added that they had reservations about launching an assault on people who appeared to pose no threat.
Hundreds of Palestinians, including children, have died in the past weeks as they gathered at aid distribution centres to collect food after months of blockade imposed by Israel that cut off the region from aid. Most of these deaths were reported near distribution centres run by the US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
Meanwhile, IDF has rejected reports by Israeli media, saying no forces had been ordered “to deliberately shoot at civilians, including those approaching the distribution centres”. It added, “To be clear, IDF directives prohibit deliberate attacks on civilians."
Late on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, similarly, rejected claims made in the Haaretz report in a joint statement. They accused the news outlet of “malicious falsehoods designed to defame the IDF, the most moral military in the world”.
Since the partial lifting of the blockade last month, the UN has attempted to deliver aid to Gaza but has faced serious challenges, including destroyed roads, Israeli military restrictions, ongoing airstrikes, and growing lawlessness. Hundreds of aid trucks have been looted by armed groups and desperate civilians.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsOn Thursday, an Israeli airstrike killed 18 people in Deir al-Balah, according to medical officials. The strike targeted Palestinian police who were distributing flour in a central market.
With inputs from agencies
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