Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz categorically rejected information published in the Israeli daily “Haaretz“ that Israeli soldiers were ordered to shoot at Palestinians approaching aid distribution sites in Gaza, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
They called the newspaper's allegations “malicious lies aimed at defaming“ armed forces.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 500 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds injured while trying to get food since the newly established organization "Gaza Humanitarian Foundation" began distributing aid in the enclave about a month ago.
Palestinian witnesses say Israeli soldiers are shooting at people gathering in the streets around aid distribution points.
In response to the "Haaretz" publication, the Israeli armed forces confirmed that they are investigating cases in which civilians were injured while approaching the points. However, they rejected the article's accusations of "intentional shooting at civilians."
The foundation, which is supported by a private American contractor, distributes food boxes in four locations, mainly in southern Gaza. It said it had no information about the allegations made in the newspaper, but called on Israel to investigate and publish the results.
Palestinians trying to get food often face chaos and violence around aid points, the AP notes. Tens of thousands of Gazans are in desperate need of food supplies after Israel imposed a blockade on the enclave.
Doctors Without Borders condemned the aid distribution system yesterday, calling it "a massacre disguised as humanitarian aid."