IDF Probes Gaza Aid Site Killings, Faces Scrutiny

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have launched a high-level investigation into allegations that troops used deadly force against Palestinian civilians seeking aid in Gaza, amid testimonies suggesting soldiers may have been ordered to fire on crowds near distribution sites. The IDF denies any official orders to target civilians but acknowledges firing warning shots at those straying from approved routes, and says all incidents are under review. The probe is overseen by the General Staff Fact-Finding Assessment Mechanism and comes after international outcry and reports of hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries near aid centers since late May, according to Gaza health officials. Senior IDF officials dispute the reported scale and intent, alleging Hamas has inflated casualty numbers, while internal tensions have arisen as the Military Advocate General's Office raises concerns over inconsistencies in explanations from the Southern Command. The investigation will assess potential breaches of international law or military rules. Israeli leaders have condemned reports of deliberate attacks as unfounded, maintaining the military's intent is to facilitate aid delivery amid ongoing shortages in Gaza.