IDF Response Regarding IDF Activity Near Humanitarian Aid Distribution Sites in Gaza

During May-September 2025, humanitarian aid distribution sites operated in the Gaza Strip. These centers were managed, operated, and secured by the American company GHF. IDF forces deployed in adjacent areas needed to contend with a complex and challenging operational environment, in which armed individuals were intermingled with civilians arriving to collect aid, and were, in many instances, exposed to risk. The IDF is aware of reports of casualties in proximity to these sites. Generally, it should be emphasized that the mere existence of casualties in a given incident in such complex environments does not, by itself, establish the circumstances of death, determine responsibility, or indicate that all the casualties were civilians and that among them there are no military operatives of terrorist organizations. The IDF treats these reports with the utmost seriousness and has referred them for thorough examination by the relevant professional authorities.

During May-September 2025, humanitarian aid distribution areas operated in the Gaza Strip, managed, operated, and secured by the American company GHF. The purpose of establishing these distribution areas was to improve the method of distribution and the accessibility of humanitarian aid for residents of the Gaza Strip, and to reduce the ability of the Hamas terrorist organization to exploit aid entering the Strip, in a manner hindering its delivery to the population. The IDF worked to allow and facilitate the operation of these distribution areas, including by opening access routes and coordinating movements.

IDF forces were required to continue operating during this period against terrorist organizations throughout the Gaza Strip, including in areas adjacent to the sites where the aid distribution sites were operating, in accordance with changing operational requirements. The surroundings of the distribution areas presented a complex operational environment in which armed individuals were embedded within the civilian population arriving to receive aid deliveries.

In order to avoid harm to civilians, the IDF marked its areas of activity and also placed obstacles intended to prevent civilian approach to combat zones.

During the operation of the distribution areas, IDF forces repeatedly identified movements toward them, at times involving individuals identified as carrying weapons, thereby endangering IDF forces. The forces’ rules of engagement permitted them to engage military operatives and remove immediate threats.

IDF soldiers deployed in the area operated under established procedures consistent with the requirements of international law. The IDF is aware of reports regarding casualties near some of the distribution sites and treats all allegations of harm to civilians with utmost seriousness. Following reported incidents, operational debriefs were conducted, lessons were learned and implemented, and additional instructions were issued to forces in the field. The incidents were also referred to the General Staff Fact-Finding and Assessment Mechanism, the IDF’s independent body for examining exceptional incidents occurring during operational activity. Following the mechanism’s inquiry, its findings are submitted to the Military Advocate General for review to determine whether further action is required.

With respect to aggregated casualty figures cited in public reports - without addressing their accuracy, it is incorrect to automatically attribute all casualties referenced in such reports to IDF activity. Aggregated data include multiple incidents occurring over an extended period under different circumstances, which may stem from different causes of harm, and may also include cases involving military operatives and not only civilians, all within a combat zone.

The IDF remains committed to allow and facilitate the transfer of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, and to conducting its operations in accordance with international law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What were the humanitarian aid distribution sites in Gaza?
A: These were aid distribution areas that operated in the Gaza Strip between May and September 2025 and were managed, operated, and secured by GHF.

Q: Why were the aid distribution sites established?
A: Their purpose was to improve aid distribution, increase accessibility for Gaza residents, and reduce the ability of Hamas to exploit humanitarian aid entering the Strip.

Q: What operational challenges existed near the distribution sites?
A: IDF forces operated in a complex environment where armed individuals were at times present among civilians arriving to collect aid, creating security challenges for troops in the area.

Q: How does the IDF review reports of casualties near aid sites?
A: Reported incidents are reviewed through operational debriefs and may be examined by the General Staff Fact-Finding and Assessment Mechanism, with findings submitted to the Military Advocate General for further review.

Q: Does the existence of casualties automatically determine responsibility for an incident?
A: The IDF states that the presence of casualties alone does not establish the circumstances of death, determine responsibility, or indicate whether those involved were civilians or military operatives.