Netanyahu Rejects Allegations of IDF Orders to Shoot Gaza Aid Seekers

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected allegations published in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, claiming that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers were ordered to shoot at Palestinians approaching humanitarian aid sites in Gaza. In a statement made on June 28, 2025, Netanyahu described the report as a "malicious falsehood" aimed at defaming the Israeli military. He was accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, who echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the allegations were unfounded and did not reflect the IDF's operational directives.

The controversy arises against the backdrop of heightened tensions in Gaza, where the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) recently began distributing aid after a prolonged blockade. According to Gaza’s Hamas-controlled health ministry, over 500 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds more injured while attempting to access these aid hubs. Witnesses report that many endure perilous journeys through Israeli military zones, where they claim Israeli troops have opened fire on civilians seeking food and water.

Haaretz's report included testimonies from unnamed Israeli soldiers, asserting they were instructed to use lethal force against civilians who posed no immediate threat. This allegation has intensified calls for an independent investigation into the IDF's conduct, particularly as reports of violence and casualties linked to aid distribution continue to surface.

The IDF has confirmed it is investigating several incidents involving civilian injuries near aid sites but has categorically denied any claims of deliberate targeting of civilians. In light of these allegations, the GHF released a statement urging Israel to conduct a transparent investigation and publish the findings promptly, emphasizing the gravity of the accusations.

In a related incident, an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza resulted in the deaths of 18 individuals who were reportedly collecting aid from a Palestinian police unit. This airstrike has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, as the region grapples with severe shortages of food, water, and medicine due to the blockade imposed by Israel earlier in the year.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed grave concerns regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, urging both Israeli and Palestinian leaders to demonstrate political courage and seek a ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of civilians. He highlighted the urgent need for a return to established UN aid distribution systems, which have historically provided support amid conflict.

Humanitarian organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, have condemned the GHF's aid distribution methods, characterizing them as inadequate and dangerous. They have called for a reevaluation of how aid is delivered to ensure the safety of those it aims to help. Additionally, local clans and tribes in Gaza have initiated independent efforts to protect aid convoys from looting, striving to secure the delivery of essential supplies to those in need.

As the situation remains fluid, the implications of these allegations and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive reassessment of military engagement practices and humanitarian strategies in conflict zones. The international community continues to monitor developments closely, advocating for peaceful resolutions and the safeguarding of civilian lives amidst ongoing hostilities.