Israel accused of shooting aid-seekers

Israel is facing mounting criticism over alleged deliberate killings of unarmed Palestinians near food distribution sites in Gaza, following reports that soldiers were "ordered "to open fire even when no threat was present.

The Israeli daily Haaretz reported on Friday that officers and soldiers said they were ordered to fire at unarmed crowds near Israeli — and United States-backed food distribution sites.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement calling the report's findings "malicious falsehoods designed to defame" the military.