| Published June 28, 2025
Jerusalem — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday firmly rejected an explosive report by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz alleging that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) commanders gave troops explicit orders to fire on unarmed Palestinian civilians seeking humanitarian aid in Gaza. The report has ignited fresh scrutiny over Israel’s military conduct during the ongoing conflict and prompted an internal army investigation.
According to the Haaretz report, several anonymous IDF soldiers described orders to use lethal force—including live rounds, grenades, and mortars—on groups of Palestinians who were approaching aid convoys, even when unarmed and not posing immediate threats. The testimonies suggest that some shootings occurred before and after official aid distribution hours, raising alarm among international observers and humanitarian organizations.
“It’s a killing field,” one soldier reportedly told Haaretz. “There are no attempts at crowd control—just live fire.” He claimed that fatalities occurred “almost every day,” even when people were clearly not a threat.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that over 549 Palestinians have died and more than 4,000 have been injured at or near aid sites since May, though independent verification remains difficult due to restricted access.
Netanyahu: “A Blood Libel”
In a statement Thursday, Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the report as a “blood libel” against Israeli forces, calling the allegations “a disgraceful distortion.” He was joined by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and other Israeli officials in dismissing the claims as false and defamatory.
“There have been no orders to shoot civilians. Israel remains committed to international law and the moral code of the IDF,” said IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari in a separate briefing.
Still, the IDF acknowledged it has launched internal investigations through its General Staff Fact-Finding Assessment Mechanism and Military Advocate General’s office. These probes are reviewing several incidents near aid points in northern Gaza, though the army insists there was no systemic policy to target civilians.
Mounting International Pressure
The Haaretz story has intensified criticism from humanitarian organizations and United Nations officials, who have already denounced the current U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid system as unsafe and dysfunctional. Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the aid delivery model has resulted in “mass casualties under the guise of assistance.”
“This is not a relief operation. This is a trap,” said one UN official on condition of anonymity.
The Biden administration, a key supporter of Israel’s military and humanitarian policies, has not issued a formal statement in response to the allegations but faces renewed pressure from lawmakers and international watchdogs to reevaluate U.S. support.
What Comes Next
Israel’s internal investigation is underway, but transparency and impartiality remain critical concerns. If evidence supports the claims, it could trigger international legal action and accelerate calls for a war crimes tribunal.
Meanwhile, conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate, with widespread food insecurity, limited access to clean water, and medical shortages compounding the suffering of civilians caught between war and desperation.
As the international community watches closely, the credibility of Israel’s inquiry—and the humanitarian toll on Gaza’s population—may shape the next phase of this prolonged and devastating conflict.
Resulting Effects
🔴 1. Increased International Scrutiny
-
Human rights groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are calling for independent investigations.
-
The UN and EU have expressed “grave concern” over the rules of engagement allegedly used by the IDF.
-
U.S. lawmakers, including some from the President’s own party, are urging a reassessment of military aid to Israel.
🕊️ 2. Escalating Diplomatic Pressure
-
Countries such as Turkey, South Africa, and Ireland are pushing for a UN Security Council resolution condemning any intentional targeting of civilians.
-
Several Arab nations have demanded formal inquiries through the International Criminal Court (ICC).
⚖️ 3. Legal Ramifications
-
If the allegations are substantiated, they could qualify as war crimes under international law.
-
The IDF’s internal investigations could be seen as a test of Israel’s accountability mechanisms. Failure to act transparently may fuel calls for international prosecution.
📉 4. Erosion of IDF Credibility
-
The IDF’s public image is under fire, not only abroad but also within Israel, where public opinion is split.
-
Former IDF veterans and reservists have spoken out, increasing domestic debate about military conduct and ethical red lines in warfare.
💔 5. Humanitarian Fallout
-
Aid deliveries have slowed further as civilians fear approaching distribution sites. Hunger is spreading, with the UN warning of famine-like conditions in parts of Gaza.
-
Humanitarian agencies may reduce or pause operations due to safety concerns, worsening the crisis.
📣 6. Media Polarization
-
Pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian narratives have intensified, especially across social media and independent news outlets.
-
The Haaretz report has become a flashpoint in debates over press freedom, “fake news,” and the role of whistleblowers.
Bottom Line:
The Haaretz report has sparked a storm of controversy, casting a harsh spotlight on the conduct of Israeli forces during humanitarian aid operations in Gaza. While Israeli officials have strongly denied the claims of deliberate targeting, the mounting civilian death toll, eyewitness testimonies, and IDF’s own internal investigations underscore the severity of the allegations. This crisis now extends beyond the battlefield—testing Israel’s credibility, deepening global outrage, and raising urgent questions about the moral cost of warfare and the protection of civilians during conflict. The truth, and accountability, may ultimately hinge on transparent investigations and the international community’s resolve to uphold humanitarian law.
