Fact Check: "IDF is causing Palestinian deaths in Gaza"
What We Know
The claim that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are responsible for Palestinian deaths in Gaza has been substantiated by multiple reports and statistics. Since May 27, 2025, over 800 Palestinian civilians have reportedly been killed while approaching aid distribution sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is backed by the U.S. and Israel. These incidents have occurred as civilians sought food and medical assistance amid a severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by an Israeli blockade (Wikipedia).
On July 20, 2025, it was reported that at least 94 Palestinians were killed by Israeli military fire while attempting to access food aid. This incident was described as one of the deadliest days for aid seekers in recent months, with many victims shot while trying to grab food from U.N. trucks (NPR). The Palestinian Red Crescent stated that Israeli forces had targeted civilians waiting for humanitarian aid, corroborating claims of IDF involvement in these deaths (NPR).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that the IDF is causing Palestinian deaths is substantial and comes from various credible sources. The Wikipedia entry on the 2025 Gaza Strip aid distribution killings details the systematic targeting of civilians by IDF forces during aid distribution efforts. The report indicates that a significant proportion of the casualties occurred near GHF sites, which were established to provide humanitarian assistance.
Reports from NPR and other news outlets confirm that the IDF has engaged in live fire against crowds of civilians seeking aid. For instance, NPR reported that the IDF claimed to have fired warning shots but later acknowledged that the number of casualties reported did not align with their information (NPR). This discrepancy raises questions about the IDF's accountability and the reliability of their statements regarding civilian casualties.
Moreover, the GHF's operations have been criticized by numerous humanitarian organizations, including Amnesty International, which accused the foundation of complicity in war crimes and failing to uphold humanitarian norms (Wikipedia). The UN and over 170 NGOs have demanded the closure of GHF operations, citing the dangerous conditions created for aid seekers (Wikipedia).
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high, as they include established news organizations and humanitarian reports. However, it is important to note that the IDF has a history of disputed narratives regarding civilian casualties, which necessitates a careful examination of their claims.
Conclusion
The claim that the IDF is causing Palestinian deaths in Gaza is True. Evidence from multiple credible sources indicates that Israeli military actions have directly resulted in civilian casualties, particularly during humanitarian aid distribution efforts. The systematic targeting of civilians, as reported by health officials and humanitarian organizations, supports this conclusion.
Sources
- 2025 Gaza Strip aid distribution killings - Wikipedia
- Nearly 100 people killed seeking aid in Gaza on Sunday ...
- Israeli forces kill 67 Palestinians seeking aid in northern ...
- Health officials say 85 Palestinians seeking aid killed in Gaza
- Gaza death toll: how many Palestinians has Israel's offensive ...
- First independent survey of deaths in Gaza reports more ...
- 32 Palestinians killed trying to reach food distribution hubs ...
- Israeli forces kill 115 Palestinians in Gaza as 19 people ...