TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Israeli Military Advocate General has ordered an investigation into the possibility of war crimes by its troops in Gaza. This follows reports that Israeli forces deliberately shot Palestinian civilians near the distribution site in Gaza. The report was made by the Haaretz newspaper on Friday, as cited by Al Arabiya.
Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed over the past month near the food distribution area, reportedly shot by the Israeli military with tanks and military drones, according to local hospitals and officials.
Haaretz, a left-leaning Israeli newspaper, cited an unnamed Israeli army statement saying that they were instructed to shoot at the crowds to disperse them. They also used lethal force unnecessarily against Palestinian civilians, even when they did not pose a threat.
The Israeli military claims that it did not instruct its troops to deliberately shoot Palestinian civilians. They added that they only enhanced the "operational response" in the aid area, recently installing new fences and signs, and opening additional routes to reach the aid distribution zone.
Haaretz quoted an unnamed source saying that a military unit formed to review incidents possibly involving violations of international law had been assigned to examine the actions of the soldiers near the aid location during the past month.
The Israeli military stated that some incidents are being reviewed by relevant authorities.
"Any allegations of [Israeli army] deviation from the law or instructions will be thoroughly examined, and further action will be taken as necessary."
Severe shortages of food and other basic supplies have occurred after nearly two years of Israeli genocide against Gaza. The attacks have reduced much of the enclave to rubble and displaced most of its two million Palestinian inhabitants.
Thousands of people gather around the distribution center desperately awaiting the next delivery, but almost every day there are reports of shootings and killings on the routes. Palestinian medical personnel said six people were killed on Friday as they tried to get food in southern Gaza.
Altogether, over 500 people have been killed near the aid centers operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) supported by the United States, or in the areas where UN food trucks pass by since late May, Gaza health authorities said.
An unnamed Israeli soldier told Haaretz that military commanders had instructed the troops to shoot at Palestinian crowds to disperse them and clear the area.
During a closed meeting with senior Military Advocate General officials this week, legal representatives rejected the Israeli army's claim that the incident was an isolated case, Haaretz reported.
There is widespread confusion about access to aid, with the troops imposing a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. temporarily on the approach routes to the GHF location. However, locals often have to leave long before dawn to have a chance at getting food.
In a statement on Friday night, a GHF spokesperson said there were no incidents or deaths at or around their distribution site so far. The statement said the Israeli army is tasked with providing safe passage for aid seekers to all humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza, including GHF.
"GHF is unaware of these incidents, but the accusations are too serious to be ignored, and therefore we call on Israel to investigate and publish the results transparently and in a timely manner," the spokesperson said.
The Israeli genocide in Gaza began when Hamas launched a sudden attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The attack claimed nearly 1,200 lives and held 251 others hostage in the enclave.
In an interview after the dismissal of PM Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant claimed that a number of Israeli casualties on October 7, 2023, were caused by the Israeli military itself, based on Hannibal's Orders.
In response, Israel launched a genocide that has killed more than 56,300 Palestinian civilians, according to local health authorities in Gaza.
While Haaretz mentioned the Palestinian death toll nearly touched 100,000 lives, another Israeli study last Wednesday even stated the death toll in Gaza reached 377,000 lives or 17 percent of the total population.
The Gaza Health Ministry said on Friday that at least 72 people were killed and over 170 were injured by Israeli gunfire in Gaza in the past 24 hours.
Editor's Choice: Israeli Troops Told to Fire on Gaza Aid Seekers, Haaretz Reports
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Iran Bans IAEA Chief from Entering Its Territory for Nuclear Monitoring
53 menit lalu
Iran's Foreign Minister expresses dissatisfaction towards the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Kendrick Lamar's Background Dancer Arrested for Flying Palestinian Flag at Super Bowl
9 jam lalu
Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, a background dancer for Kendrick Lamar, was arrested by the Louisiana State Police on Thursday, 26 June 2025, due to the impact of his protest during the Super Bowl Halftime Show held at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, last February.
Trump Denies Plan to Help Iran Access $30 Billion for Civilian Nuclear Program
9 jam lalu
President Trump strongly denies media reports stating that his administration has discussed the possibility of helping Iran access up to $30 billion to build a civilian nuclear energy program.
66 Palestinian Children Die from Malnutrition in Gaza Due to Israeli Blockade
10 jam lalu
At least 66 Palestinian children have died of acute malnutrition in the Gaza Strip under an Israeli blockade since October 2023.
Iran Holds State Funeral for Top Brass Slain in War with Israel
10 jam lalu
Iran holds state funeral for around 60 people, including its military commander, who were killed in a war with Israel
Israel Orders Eviction of Palestinians in Central Gaza, Threatens New Strikes
16 jam lalu
On Saturday, June 28, 2025, the Israeli military ordered evacuations in central Gaza and threatened airstrikes.
Haaretz: 100,000 Palestinians Dead in Gaza, Four Percent of Population
19 jam lalu
This figure far exceeds the Gaza Health Ministry's reported toll of 56,300 since October 2023.
Trump Claims Gaza Ceasefire Deal Expected Next Week
20 jam lalu
President Donald Trump admits a dire situation is unfolding in Gaza.
Former South Korean President Yoon Faces Re-Arrest Over Coup Allegations
21 jam lalu
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faced a new summons and the risk of re-arrest as the military law investigation deepened.
Drugs Found Inside US Flour Aid Packages for Gaza
21 jam lalu
Palestinian authorities in Gaza say opioid painkiller Oxycodone was found in a bag of flour sent from the U.S. aid distribution point.
