Gaza "Killing Field" Report Did Israeli Soldiers Target Hungry Civilians?

Israel's Leaders Denounce Report of Gaza 'Killing Field' Near Food Sites

A recent news report alleging the existence of a "killing field" near food distribution sites in Gaza, attributed to Israeli soldiers' testimonies, has ignited a fierce controversy. The report, published by Haaretz in both Hebrew and English, quotes soldiers claiming commanders ordered them to fire upon unarmed civilians seeking food. This has drawn strong condemnation from top Israeli officials.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement, vehemently rejecting the accusations as a "blood libel." They stated, "These are malicious falsehoods designed to defame the IDF [Israel Defense Forces], the most moral military in the world."

According to Gaza's Health Ministry, over 500 people have been killed and more than 4,000 wounded by Israeli forces while attempting to obtain food aid in the past month. This grim statistic adds weight to the gravity of the allegations.

The Haaretz report cites anonymous Israeli soldiers who describe alleged military attacks on individuals seeking food aid in Gaza since May 27.
These soldiers claim they were instructed to fire on unarmed civilians approaching food distribution sites, even when the crowds presented no apparent threat.
Key claims include:

• Orders to fire at unarmed civilians near food distribution sites during off-hours.
• The absence of crowd-control measures, with gunfire being the primary response.
• Descriptions of the situation as a "killing field" akin to a lethal game.

The report highlights concerns from aid workers and critics regarding Israel's plan to manage food distribution in Gaza, particularly after prolonged blockades and restrictions on aid entry. This week, the UN managed to deliver some medical supplies into Gaza for the first time in months, underscoring the dire humanitarian situation.

The U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres commented on the situation, stating, "Any operation that channels desperate civilians into militarized zones is inherently unsafe. It is killing people."

One soldier quoted in the Haaretz report described the army's use of machine guns, grenade launchers, and mortars against crowds posing no threat while waiting for distribution sites to open. These sites are reportedly managed by U.S. contractors within areas under Israeli military control.

Israel's military has refuted the accusations, asserting that soldiers are not instructed to deliberately target civilians. They claim reports of such incidents are under investigation by military authorities. Haaretz indicates that a military body is being asked to investigate incidents at these distribution sites for suspected war crimes.

The food distribution sites are operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which receives $30 million in funding from the Trump administration. The State Department views GHF as a creative solution to prevent aid from reaching Hamas.

Key points about the GHF distribution:

• Only four GHF sites operate in Gaza.
• These sites are located in expansive military "red zones."
• Distribution occurs at erratic times.
• Food is distributed without vetting or I.D. checks.

Reports suggest that some of the food from these sites ends up being sold at inflated prices on the black market. GHF denies shootings occur near its sites but acknowledges challenges in food distribution. They have called for an investigation into the allegations made in the Haaretz story.

Several aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, have criticized the GHF distribution plan, arguing that aid should not be controlled by a warring party to further military objectives.

Doctors Without Borders reports receiving approximately 10 patients daily with injuries sustained at GHF distribution sites and lacks the resources for necessary blood transfusions and surgeries. They have called the system "a slaughter masquerading as humanitarian aid" and demanded its immediate dismantling.

Dr. Adil Husain, volunteering in southern Gaza, shared harrowing accounts of treating individuals shot near GHF sites, including children and adults with devastating injuries and empty food bags. He described the situation as a recurring nightmare.

The allegations presented in the Haaretz report, coupled with the responses from Israeli leaders and the accounts from aid workers, paint a complex and deeply troubling picture of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The need for independent investigation and accountability is paramount to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire.

Tags: Israel, Gaza, IDF, Food aid, Killing field, Netanyahu, Haaretz, Report, Blood libel, Israel Katz

Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/06/28/nx-s1-5449587/israel-gaza-haaretz-report