A committee representing influential families in Gaza has rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claim that some aid entering the war-torn Palestinian territory is being looted by Hamas.

This denial comes after Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza, which was lifted in late May, allowing aid to enter the region at a slow pace.

Rights groups have reported that Gaza and its population of more than two million are facing famine-like conditions due to Israeli restrictions.

The distribution of aid has been marred by chaotic scenes and near-daily deaths.

In a joint statement with Defense Minister Israel Katz published late Wednesday, Netanyahu stated there was "information received today indicating that Hamas is once again taking control of humanitarian aid entering the northern Gaza Strip and stealing it from civilians." He then instructed the military to draft a plan to prevent such alleged thefts.

However, the higher committee for tribal affairs in Gaza, a non-Hamas affiliated group established during the recent conflict, issued a statement on Thursday firmly rejecting Netanyahu's accusation.

The committee claimed that all aid is fully secured under their direct supervision and is being distributed exclusively through international agencies.

They further stated that these security measures have been implemented solely through the efforts of local tribal leaders.

In response to Netanyahu's "false claims," the committee called for a United Nations delegation to investigate whether aid was being correctly dispatched in Gaza.

This call for an independent investigation reflects mounting tensions between Israel and Hamas, as well as concern among Palestinians regarding the accuracy and fairness of Israel's allegations.

Recently, AFP footage captured the arrival of a UN-led convoy carrying aid into northern Gaza through the Zikim gate after crossing from southern Israel.

During this operation, masked and armed young men were visible atop large aid bundles on several trucks, indicating their role in protecting the convoy from potential looting before reaching its destination.

Additionally, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir shared a video on Telegram showing masked, armed individuals standing on top of aid trucks.

He claimed that these images demonstrated Hamas' control over the aid and called for Netanyahu to halt further entry of assistance into Gaza.

However, the authenticity and context of this footage remain unclear.

Following the lifting of Israel's blockade in late May, much of the aid entering Gaza has been channeled through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

The GHF operates independently but has faced criticism over its handling of aid distribution, including reports of chaotic scenes, fatalities, and concerns regarding its neutrality.

Major international aid organizations have declined to collaborate with the GHF due to these issues.

Despite accusations from Israeli officials and concerns raised by human rights groups, the GHF has maintained that it is not responsible for any deaths occurring near its aid points.