Israeli Troops Describe Orders to Fire on Aid-Seeking Civilians in Gaza

Soldiers serving in Gaza described a routine of using heavy weaponry—including machine guns, mortars, and grenade launchers—to disperse crowds awaiting relief supplies. One soldier characterized the environment as a "killing field," noting that between one and five people were killed daily at his station alone. Troops have informally dubbed this practice "Operation Salted Fish," comparing the lethal use of force to a children’s game of stopping and starting movement.

A reserve officer in Division 252, commanded by Brig. Gen. Yehuda Vach, stated he was ordered to fire artillery shells into crowds, a tactic that has become standard practice despite lacking a clear tactical justification. When challenged, commanders have allegedly dismissed concerns, reinforcing a pervasive internal message that there are no noncombatants in Gaza. Another officer recounted a specific incident where over 10 people were killed; despite the lack of any threat to forces, the unit was told the action was an order from above.

While the Israeli military claims it investigates allegations of legal deviations, internal military meetings suggest a normalization of the carnage. Legal officials within the IDF have rejected the narrative that these are isolated incidents, pointing to the repeated use of air-dropped grenades and artillery against vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, government officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have dismissed these reports as "blood libels," even as international bodies warn that the weaponization of food may constitute war crimes.