IDF Spokesman Denies that the Army Fired on Gazan Mob Descending on Humanitarian Convoy

By Hamodia Staff

In a video message released on Thursday, IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari refuted allegations that the IDF fired on a mob which descended on a convoy of humanitarian aid in northern Gaza,

The IDF spokesman, speaking firmly and resolutely, told how some 38 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid were inspected and let through the Kerem Shlomo corridor to be distributed by contractors when they were set upon by a mob of hundreds, or perhaps thousands of Gazans.

“At 4:40 a.m., the first aid truck in the humanitarian convoy started making its way through the humanitarian corridor that we were securing,” Hagari began. “Yes, the IDF was securing the humanitarian corridor so that the aid convoy could reach its destination in northern Gaza. Our tanks were there to secure the humanitarian corridor for the aid convoy. Our UAVs were there in the air to give our forces a clear picture from above.”

“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 at the Kerem Shalom humanitarian crossing in Israel, and then entered Gaza for distribution by private contractors,” Hagari said. “As these vital humanitarian supplies were making their way towards Gazans in need, thousands of Gazans descended upon the trucks. Some began violently pushing and even trampling other Gazans to death, looting the humanitarian supplies.”

The IDF had tanks and other military apparatus stationed in near the corridor to provide security for the trucks. When the tank commanders saw the riotous mob, they carefully backed away, making sure not to hit any of the hundreds of people in the area.

He provided photos and video to back up what he stated in the video.

“Our war is against Hamas, not against the people of Gaza,” he said. “We recognize the suffering of the innocent people of Gaza. This is why we are seeking ways to expand our humanitarian efforts, this is why we are conducting humanitarian operations like the one we conducted this morning.”