The five men were “standing near a vehicle marked with the emblem of the international humanitarian aid organization ‘World Central Kitchen’ (WCK), despite having no affiliation with the organization, and while posing a threat to our troops,” the military wrote in a statement.

It did not specify what danger the men posed.

The army also released aerial footage showing several people standing by a WCK-marked car and wearing yellow vests, commonly worn by aid workers to enhance their visibility, some of whom appear to be armed.

The vests, the army said, were meant to “conceal their activity and avoid being targeted”.

It did not say which rebel group the gunmen belonged to.

Before conducting the strike, the military said it verified with WCK that the vehicle that it had identified in the Deir al-Balah area in central Gaza had no connection with the organisation.

WCK confirmed to AFP that “the vehicle and persons of interest were not affiliated” with it.

“We strongly condemn anyone posing as World Central Kitchen or other humanitarians, as this endangers civilians and aid workers. The safety and security of our teams are our top priority,” WCK added.