Media release: Embassy of Israel…

The Embassy of Israel in New Zealand wishes to bring to your attention a critical correction issued by The Washington Post – regarding its previous reporting on alleged Israeli actions near a humanitarian aid distribution site in Gaza.

The original report stated that Israeli troops had opened fire, killing over 30 people — a claim sourced from “health officials in Gaza.” However, The Washington Post has since acknowledged that this article “did not meet [its] fairness standards.” Specifically, the correction notes that it failed to give proper weight to the Israeli government’s denial and presented unverified claims without sufficient scrutiny.

Unfortunately, several New Zealand outlets continue to report on these allegations as fact — with no verification, no updated context, and no correction.

In conflict zones, especially where a terrorist organisation like Hamas tightly controls the flow of information, responsible journalism requires heightened scrutiny.

Here are the facts:

  • The IDF has confirmed that no Israeli fire was directed at civilians at or near the humanitarian aid distribution site in question.
  • The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which operates the aid drop location, has publicly denied any Israeli involvement.
  • GHF also provided photos showing aid being distributed peacefully — contradicting reports of violence and casualties.
  • An unrelated IDF defensive action took place approximately one kilometre away, at a different time, in response to a separate threat.

Israel is actively facilitating humanitarian aid to the civilians of Gaza through two coordinated tracks:

  • Over 1,000 aid trucks have entered Gaza since May 19.
  • The Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) — a new civil initiative supported by Israel and its allies — has already delivered over 5.8 million meals directly to Gazan civilians within the first week of operation.

Unlike previous models, GHF bypasses Hamas, weakens its grip on the civilian population, and brings direct assistance to those in genuine need. Civilians have welcomed this effort — but Hamas, unsurprisingly, is doing everything it can to sabotage it.

Even more concerning is the role of the United Nations. Nearly 100 aid trucks are waiting at the Kerem Shalom crossing — but the UN is refusing to collect them. Rather than supporting the success of new, efficient, civilian-focused aid models, the UN continues to cling to the outdated, Hamas-entrenched system. In some cases, it is actively undermining the GHF.

At a time when misinformation can fuel tensions and obstruct humanitarian efforts, accurate and balanced reporting is not a luxury — it is a responsibility. We urge members of the New Zealand media to fact-check before publication, to avoid amplifying unverified claims originating from Hamas — a terrorist organisation that systematically manipulates public narratives to serve its goals.

Should you require further information or context, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.