Israel denies shooting civilians at Rafah aid site as evidence mounts that it did

Israel’s military claims its troops did not open fire on civilians near an aid distribution centre in Rafah, following widespread outrage over a deadly incident that left dozens dead and wounded.

In a statement released Sunday, the army said an “initial investigation” concluded that “troops did not shoot at civilians while they were near or in the humanitarian aid distribution area”.

It also accused Hamas of working to derail food delivery efforts in the besieged enclave. “Hamas is doing everything in its power to prevent the success of the food distribution in Gaza,” the statement read.

But the military’s version of events contradicts multiple eyewitness accounts, graphic footage from the scene, and statements from medical staff treating the wounded.

Earlier, Hamas denounced the killings as a “brutal” attack on civilians, singling out Rafah, where Gaza health officials say many of the victims were shot while collecting food.

Israel has repeatedly denied responsibility for civilian deaths during its war on Gaza, even in the face of mounting physical evidence and survivor testimonies