(TJV NEWS) In an online briefing with international journalists, Israeli government spokesman David Mencer addressed recent reports of deadly incidents near humanitarian aid distribution zones in Gaza, emphasizing that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not target civilians. The update comes amid claims by Hamas-run health authorities that Israeli troops opened fire on crowds approaching aid centers in Rafah, killing dozens.
As reported by the Times of Israel, Mencer said that IDF forces “diligently” fired warning shots at individuals who approached roughly half a kilometer away from a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid site in Rafah — not at the site itself.
“Let’s be clear: Israel is not preventing Gazans from accessing humanitarian aid, and the IDF did not fire at civilians in or near aid distribution zones,” Mencer stated during the briefing held by the National Public Diplomacy Directorate in the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza reported at least 27 Palestinians killed and dozens more wounded, although those figures have not been independently verified. Local Gaza media echoed those claims, saying that hospitals had received multiple casualties reportedly linked to gunfire near aid zones.
Mencer reaffirmed that the IDF is investigating the reports and said the military is “doing everything in its power to allow Gazans to get to the humanitarian aid.” He insisted, “Indeed, we are encouraging it.”
Responding to separate allegations from Sunday, in which Hamas authorities claimed that 31 Palestinians were killed en route to an aid center, Mencer argued the narrative was based on propaganda.
“The IDF’s initial investigation confirms that serious accusations made on Sunday in so much of the media… were based on Hamas propaganda,” Mencer asserted. “The IDF has already proved them — has put out materials proving them to be false and baseless.”
Mencer further accused Hamas of deliberately obstructing humanitarian aid: “It is clear that Hamas is trying their hardest to keep its own people, Gazans, away from the GHF distribution sites.”
He concluded with a warning to the international press: “We urge the media — do not amplify Hamas disinformation. Verify before reporting. It’s a battle of the narrative, and too many global newsrooms have become foot soldiers for Hamas.”
The incidents in Rafah come amid heightened scrutiny of Israel’s military operations in southern Gaza and growing international concern over civilian casualties. As humanitarian conditions deteriorate, narrative control and credibility on the ground remain sharply contested, with both sides accusing the other of manipulating information around aid access and military engagement.
