Conflict Intensifies: Netanyahu Denies Allegations of IDF Firing on Gaza Aid-Seekers, Calls Report a Conspiracy
Gaza/Israel – June 28, 2025:
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, fresh controversy has erupted over reports alleging that Israeli soldiers have been ordered to fire on Palestinian civilians attempting to access aid. The claims have sparked outrage, particularly after reports emerged that over 500 civilians have died and hundreds more have been injured in recent weeks while approaching relief centers.
Local residents and eyewitnesses allege that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) opened fire on civilians walking toward aid distribution points, further escalating the tension in the war-torn region. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have firmly denied the allegations, branding the report as “false, malicious, and a conspiracy to defame the Israeli army.”
The controversial report was originally published in the left-leaning Israeli newspaper Haaretz, which cited anonymous military sources claiming that IDF soldiers received direct orders to open fire on Palestinians moving toward aid convoys. Netanyahu, responding strongly, accused political opponents and international media of using misinformation to tarnish the reputation of the IDF during an ongoing conflict.
Civilians Caught in Crossfire as Aid Access Turns Deadly
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 500 civilians have been killed in the past month alone while trying to receive food aid. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), working in collaboration with a private U.S.-based company, has been distributing food at four key points across Gaza. Despite their efforts, reports suggest that crowds moving toward these relief areas have come under fire, allegedly from Israeli forces.
In response, the Israeli military stated that it is actively investigating the incidents and denied that soldiers were ordered to deliberately target civilians. “Our policy is clear—IDF operations are guided by international law and every effort is made to avoid civilian casualties,” an IDF spokesperson said, reiterating that any shots fired were likely warning shots to control chaotic crowd movements near sensitive zones.
GAF Calls for Transparent Investigation
The Gaza Aid Foundation released a public statement on Friday noting it had no knowledge of any specific firing incidents at its distribution centers but urged the Israeli government to investigate the claims seriously. “These are grave accusations. We appeal to Israeli authorities to probe the matter thoroughly and share the findings transparently with the international community,” said a GAF representative.
In a disturbing development, eight bodies were delivered to Gaza’s Shifa Hospital on Friday, reportedly brought in from the Netzarim relief center. Medical personnel stated that the exact cause of death remains unverified. Additionally, another 20 bodies were received at various hospitals the same day, with many believed to be victims of Israeli airstrikes.
Civilians Risk Lives for Basic Supplies
Desperation among Gaza’s population continues to grow, with thousands reportedly walking several kilometers daily just to access food and water. Eyewitnesses claim that even these treks are riddled with danger. Mohammad Fawzi, a resident of Rafah, described the scene: “There was continuous gunfire from 6 am to 10 am. I saw people fall. I walked away with an empty box—no food, nothing. Just fear.”
While the Israeli army claims that any use of force is strictly to maintain order or warn of potential threats, the narrative on the ground tells a different, more harrowing story—one where civilians seeking aid are met with violence instead of relief.
Death Toll Surges as Ceasefire Crumbles
The situation has deteriorated rapidly since the breakdown of the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on March 18. In just over three months, more than 6,000 people have reportedly been killed and over 20,000 injured in renewed hostilities. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, since the war began in October 2023, the total death toll has surpassed 56,000, with over 132,000 wounded—a large number of whom are women and children.
As international pressure mounts for a renewed ceasefire and humanitarian aid access, the credibility of both Israeli military operations and reports from the conflict zone remains hotly contested. For now, civilians in Gaza continue to bear the brunt of a war that shows no signs of slowing down.
