Tel Aviv [Israel], June 28: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement on Friday firmly rejecting allegations that Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers were ordered to shoot unarmed Palestinians waiting for humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The statement, released by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called the reports published in Ha’aretz newspaper “malicious falsehoods” and described them as “contemptible blood libels.” It insisted that the IDF is the “most moral military in the world” and that its soldiers operate with strict orders to avoid harming innocent civilians.
Highlighting the complexity of the situation on the ground, Netanyahu and Katz emphasized that the IDF operates under challenging conditions, facing a terrorist enemy that hides among civilians and uses them as human shields. The statement accused Hamas of running a “complete industry of lies” to undermine Israel’s legitimacy.
The joint statement also appealed to the international community, urging countries to stand by Israel “in its just and moral fight against the murderous Hamas terrorist organization.”
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages. Guterres posted on social media platform X, saying, “While the conflict between Israel & Iran has dominated headlines, we can’t allow the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza to be pushed into the shadows. It’s time for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate & unconditional release of all hostages, and full, safe & sustained humanitarian access.”
The conflict in Gaza erupted after Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel in 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel responded with a military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas.