The Israeli military has acknowledged that Palestinian civilians were harmed at aid distribution centers in Gaza, stating that updated guidelines have been issued to troops following a review of recent incidents.
Since Israel eased its 11-week blockade on May 19, over 400 Palestinians have reportedly died while seeking aid, according to the United Nations. Many were attempting to reach sites run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has come under fire from the UN for operating in what it calls unsafe, militarised zones.
"Lessons have been learned, and new instructions have been issued to forces on the ground," Israel’s military said, noting that several incidents involving civilian harm remain under review.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres criticized the GHF model last week, calling it “inherently unsafe” and claiming it was costing lives. The UN has refused to collaborate with the GHF, citing neutrality concerns and alleging that the model contributes to displacement.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected the criticism, accusing the UN of siding with Hamas and defending the GHF’s role. Meanwhile, the GHF denied any fatalities at its sites and dismissed UN allegations.
The conflict, ignited by the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the capture of 251 hostages, has since claimed over 56,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza health officials.
Since Israel eased its 11-week blockade on May 19, over 400 Palestinians have reportedly died while seeking aid, according to the United Nations. Many were attempting to reach sites run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has come under fire from the UN for operating in what it calls unsafe, militarised zones.
"Lessons have been learned, and new instructions have been issued to forces on the ground," Israel’s military said, noting that several incidents involving civilian harm remain under review.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres criticized the GHF model last week, calling it “inherently unsafe” and claiming it was costing lives. The UN has refused to collaborate with the GHF, citing neutrality concerns and alleging that the model contributes to displacement.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected the criticism, accusing the UN of siding with Hamas and defending the GHF’s role. Meanwhile, the GHF denied any fatalities at its sites and dismissed UN allegations.
The conflict, ignited by the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the capture of 251 hostages, has since claimed over 56,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza health officials.
