JERUSALEM, June 28, (V7N) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday strongly denied a newspaper report alleging that the country’s military commanders ordered troops to fire at Palestinian civilians seeking humanitarian aid in Gaza.

The Haaretz daily, known for its left-leaning editorial stance, cited unnamed Israeli soldiers who claimed they had received orders to shoot into crowds gathering near aid distribution centers — even when the civilians posed no immediate threat.

Netanyahu, in a joint statement with Defence Minister Israel Katz, dismissed the allegations as "contemptible blood libels," asserting that Israel’s military ethics and rules of engagement would never permit such actions against civilians.

“The State of Israel absolutely rejects the contemptible blood libels that have been published in the Haaretz newspaper,” the statement said, accusing the report of undermining national morale and defaming the IDF (Israel Defense Forces).

The report has stirred intense debate within Israel and drew renewed scrutiny from international human rights observers, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens amid ongoing conflict and aid restrictions.

No official comment has yet been issued by the IDF regarding the specifics of the Haaretz allegations. Meanwhile, calls for an independent investigation are growing among opposition lawmakers and rights groups.