Revelations of Civilian Massacres in Gaza: A Haaretz Investigation Unveils Dire Violations

An investigative report by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz has brought to light alarming revelations regarding the killing of Palestinian civilians at food distribution points in the Gaza Strip. According to anonymous testimonies from soldiers, these shootings were not random acts of aggression but were reportedly carried out under specific orders from Israeli commanders aimed at dispersing crowds at humanitarian aid locations. The massacres reportedly occurred around centers administered by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (Ghf), an organization created by Israel to oversee food distribution in the territory, further complicating the humanitarian situation. The Ghf began its operations in May, establishing a limited number of distribution centers that could only operate for an hour each day. As a result, large crowds of desperate civilians have gathered for food since nightfall, creating a tension-laden environment. Multiple eyewitness accounts from soldiers detailed how they opened fire on civilians waiting for aid, often before the centers opened and even after they closed. One soldier described these areas as 'killing fields,' recalling that casualties ranged from one to five civilian deaths daily. No crowd control measures were reportedly employed, with soldiers ready to use any available weaponry, from machine guns to mortars, to disperse the gathered crowds. 'Fire is our form of communication,' stated this soldier, reflecting a grim normalization of violence. The Gaza Health Ministry has reported that since the Ghf’s operations began, at least 549 people have been killed near these distribution centers, with over 4,000 reported injuries, although these figures may not capture the full extent of the crisis. Besides direct fire from Israeli forces, reports have emerged of Palestinian militia members, funded by Israel, also contributing to the violence against civilians. While Israeli soldiers are ostensibly required to maintain a distance from Ghf centers where American contractors operate, compliance with this policy appears inconsistent. Soldiers have been seen positioning themselves with heavy weaponry around these centers, transforming them into combat zones. An officer acknowledged that at night, the practice of firing warning shots becomes standard procedure, communicating to civilians that they should not approach. The orders to shoot have been traced back to notable figures within the Israeli military hierarchy, including General Yehuda Vach of the 252nd Division. Yet many, including soldiers and commanders, accept these practices without question, normalizing a violent status quo within what one reservist described as a 'parallel universe.' One particularly tragic incident involved a general's orders to fire near a civilian intersection, which led to the deaths of eight people simply waiting for a food truck. Despite the violence, initial investigations by the army have not led to any disciplinary actions. Commanders interviewed highlighted an unsettling reality: Palestinian civilians congregating near aid distribution points do not pose any genuine threat to the soldiers. An officer emphasized that, 'It made no sense they were killed for nothing,' reflecting a shared sentiment among military personnel that such killings, characterized as collateral damage, are tragically becoming normal. While some limited internal investigations into these incidents are conducted, they are often viewed with skepticism regarding their effectiveness. The ongoing conflict and severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza continue to exacerbate tensions and raise critical questions about military conduct and humanitarian rights amidst warfare. The testimonies uncovered by Haaretz paint a picture of systemic violence against civilians in a humanitarian context, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and urgent international attention to the situation in Gaza. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2