Israel’s Preliminary Findings Say Stampede, Not Strikes, Main Cause of Gaza Convoy Deaths

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) completed a preliminary review on Sunday of the catastrophic events surrounding a Gaza aid convoy last week, concluding that their forces did not strike the convoy, attributing the majority of Palestinian casualties to a stampede. These initial findings prompted the launch of a more comprehensive investigation, spearheaded by “an independent, professional and expert body,” IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari announced.

The tragic incident, which saw over 100 Palestinians killed and over 700 wounded as they attempted to access humanitarian aid near Gaza City, has intensified international scrutiny on Israel. Several countries have echoed a UN call for a thorough inquiry into the events that unfolded on Thursday amid chaotic scenes at the convoy.

According to Hagari, the preliminary review, synthesizing accounts from commanders and troops on the ground, found no evidence of an IDF strike on the aid convoy. Instead, it suggested that the fatal stampede was the primary cause of death and injury among the Palestinians present.

Hagari detailed that warning shots were fired to disperse the crowd, and as IDF forces began to withdraw, several individuals who appeared to pose a threat approached, prompting a response from the soldiers. “The incident will be examined through a fact-finding and assessment mechanism by an independent, professional, and expert body. We commit to transparency and will share updates as our examination progresses, hopefully in the coming days,” Hagari stated, without specifying who will conduct the inquiry.