IDF investigation into Gaza crush: Shots fired at people who approached troops – not aid convoy

An IDF investigation into a February incident in Gaza City in which dozens of Palestinians were killed as they swarmed humanitarian aid trucks has found that Israeli troops did not open fire on the convoy itself.

Rather, shots were fired at several Gazans who moved toward soldiers and a tank at an IDF checkpoint, endangering troops, according to the military probe.

Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman, head of IDF Southern Command, presented the report to IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi on Tuesday, the IDF statement says.

The IDF says it will continue to investigate the circumstances of the incident, adding that the military “places great importance on the humanitarian effort to enable the transfer of humanitarian aid to the Strip and improve the existing systems.”

Hamas has blamed the IDF for the deaths. The military says most of the casualties were caused by a stampede and being run over by the supply vehicles. Gunmen also opened fire in the area as they looted the supplies.

Emanuel Fabian contributed to this report.