Israel at War: Week 21
Hamas accused Israel of killing 104 civilians, and wounding others, as they raced to the trucks bringing humanitarian aid. IDF Spokesman, Daniel Hagari said, “This was a humanitarian operation we conducted, and the claim we intentionally struck the convoy and intentionally harmed people is baseless.” He said this was the fourth such operation in the area, while reiterating “the IDF did not fire on those seeking aid, despite the accusations.”
Those making the accusations include Hamas “accused Israeli troops of shooting at the crowd of thousands.” The UN Security Council expressed deep concern over the incident, Arab countries, and even some Israeli allies called for an investigation of the tragic incident.
The IDF explained in detail the facts. IDF Spokesman Hagari explained: “This morning the IDF coordinated a convoy of 38 trucks to provide additional humanitarian assistance to the residents of northern Gaza. This humanitarian aid came from Egypt, went through a security screening, and then entered Gaza, for distribution by private contractors. He concluded, “No IDF strike was conducted toward the aid convoy. On the contrary, the IDF was there carrying out a humanitarian operation, securing the humanitarian corridor, allowing the aid to reach the distribution point so that the humanitarian aid could reach Gazan civilians in the north who are in need.”
The IDF has said “it has all the material needed to conduct an exhaustive investigation and present the findings, but claims the military intentionally sought to harm civilians ‘are baseless.’ I believe the Israeli authorities story over that of Hamas and other opponents of Israel in this sad, tragic situation.
(Source: The Times of Israel)
