They are die gouges. This variety for 1996-P was removed from the Cherrypickers' Guide because it is technically not a die variety but rather a "...common type of damage caused during the minting process"
Why do you think it isn't feed finger damage considering all the damage running in the same direction in the field in front of Washington's face.
When I started the thread that was my finding, but now after research and this post, I am leaning towards it might be. I searched the internet and found FS-701 as the variety for this coin..an article or two about it, it was.removed from the cherry pickers guide--so I was leaning in one direction-but now I am informed... In your question, the damage is from/on the die-I think it was mentioned in the article I read-not sure If it was Mr. Potter or Mr, Diamond's..all just good info and knowledge for this collector..