Several world leaders condemned the deaths of people looking to access a large aid convoy in Gaza City, calling for an investigation into the incident and saying it underscored the need for a cease-fire in Gaza. 

French President Emmanuel Macron said early on Friday that a cease-fire was necessary to facilitate the distribution of humanitarian aid. 

"Deep indignation at the images coming from Gaza where civilians have been targeted by Israeli soldiers. I express my strongest condemnation of these shootings and call for truth, justice, and respect for international law," Macron wrote online. 

The White House called the incident "tremendously alarming," while State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the US was "urgently seeking additional information on exactly what took place." 

Israeli and Palestinian accounts of the incident and the main cause for the casualties differ.

Turkey's Foreign Ministry said that the deaths constituted "another crime against humanity," and said it showed Israel "aims consciously and collectively to destroy the Palestinian people."

Colombian President Gustavo Petro spoke of "genocide" against the Palestinian people and suspended purchases of military equipment from Israel. 

The Spanish and Italian foreign ministries both said the incident showed the urgency of agreeing to a cease-fire and better provision of aid. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed "deep dismay and concern."