IDF Vows Detailed Probe Into Gaza Aid Distribution Massacre

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Saturday a commitment to carrying out a comprehensive investigation into the tragic events that unfolded in Gaza City this week when the IDF killed over 100 Palestinians attempting to collect humanitarian aid, an incident that has sparked international outrage and calls for an in-depth inquiry.

IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, addressing the media on Saturday evening, pledged a meticulous review of Thursday’s events, which have drawn widespread condemnation, with differing accounts about the cause of the fatalities. While Hamas has accused Israeli troops of firing on the crowd, the IDF contends that the majority of casualties were due to a panic-induced stampede, asserting that soldiers only targeted individuals who posed a direct threat.

However, eyewitness accounts, medical reports from Gaza, and independent verification from international news outlets have indicated that many of the injured suffered gunshot wounds, contradicting the IDF’s narrative. The New York Times reported allegations of Israeli forces engaging the crowd and the BBC quotes Gazan journalist and eyewitness Mahmoud Awadeyah as saying, “Israelis purposefully fired at the men. … They were trying to get near the trucks that had the flour. They were fired at directly and prevented people from coming near those killed.”

Despite these accusations, the IDF maintains that its actions were in self-defense, aimed at dispersing the crowd and protecting its personnel, without targeting those seeking aid. “No IDF strike was conducted toward the aid convoy,” Hagari said. “On the contrary, the IDF was there carrying out a humanitarian aid operation, to secure the humanitarian corridor, and allow the aid convoy to reach its distribution point, so that the humanitarian aid could reach Gazan civilians in the north who are in need.”

The incident has not only led to a wave of criticism from Arab nations but also prompted demands for clarity from allies such as the United States, France, and Germany. The United Nations Security Council has acknowledged the Israeli investigation, expressing “deep concern” over the tragic event.