‘Hamas Wants to Control the Food’: Israel Again Accused of Shooting Gazans Near Aid Site as Three Israeli Soldiers Killed in Jabalia

FDD | June 4, 2025

Latest Developments

• Three Israeli Soldiers Killed: A roadside bomb killed three Israeli soldiers and wounded two others on June 2 during IDF operations in northern Gaza. The casualties were named as combat medics Staff Sgt. Lior Steinberg, 20, Staff Sgt. Ofek Barhana, 20, and squad commander Staff Sgt. Omer Van Gelder, 22 — all members of the Givati Brigade. The soldiers’ Humvee took a direct hit from one of more than 20 explosive devices planted along the road near Jabalia while escorting an army fire truck out of Gaza.
• Claims of Casualties at Aid Site: The Red Cross and the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry claimed on June 3 that at least 27 Palestinians were killed near a Safe Distribution Site run by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) near Khan Younis. The IDF did not confirm any casualties but stated that IDF troops fired “near individual suspects” who continued to approach the site outside of the designated safe corridor despite troops initially firing warning shots. Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said, “Hamas wants to control the food, and through it, to control the people,” by sending “young people to riot” and “shoot at Gazans making their way to the sites.”

• False Accusations: On May 31, several news outlets claimed that dozens of Palestinians were killed by Israeli troops near the same aid distribution site, but drone footage revealed the perpetrators to be armed terrorists. In an email to journalists, the GHF cautioned against “relying on unverified and unsubstantiated sources,” and said that it had successfully distributed more than seven million meals in eight days. GHF also stated that it had successfully tested a new women-only distribution lane and had operational plans to open additional distribution sites, including in northern Gaza.

FDD Expert Response

“It is in Hamas’s strategic interest for the new aid mechanism to fail. Hamas and its allied factions may resort to intimidation, coercion, or outright violence to discourage Palestinians from accessing aid at these independent distribution sites. Undermining the new aid system serves two purposes: it preserves Hamas’s grip on power and reinforces the Islamist group’s narrative that external actors are acting against Palestinian interests.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“The deadly attack on the Givati soldiers demonstrates, once more, that Hamas continues to be a lethal enemy. The terror organization launched this war more than 600 days ago and refuses to surrender despite incredible damage to the territory and the people it rules. This calculated attack involving dozens of roadside bombs shows that Hamas will fight until the bitter end — no matter the cost to Gazans.” — Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘False Reporting’: GHF Counters Widespread Media Claims of Israeli Attack on Palestinians Seeking Aid in Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief

“Deaths Reported as Chaos Engulfs WFP Warehouse in Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief

“Weathering International Criticism, GHF Continues Aid Distribution Operation in Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘Agents of the Occupation:’ Hamas Threatens Civilians Who Accept Aid From Gaza Humanitarian Foundation,” FDD Flash Brief