Israeli troops have opened fire on U.N. aid convoys to northern Gaza at least four times in three months, damaging vehicles and endangering staff. On Sept. 9, officials said, soldiers held a convoy for 7½ hours at gunpoint, alleging that some were wanted individuals; an environment of mistrust thus prevails as humanitarian workers face serious consequences at checkpoints without accountability for soldiers' actions.
‘They basically surrounded our vehicles, pointing assault rifles at our cars, and they were shouting that we're terrorists,’ recalled a U.N. staffer, highlighting the threats faced by aid workers. This incident illustrates the tension and lack of regard for humanitarian missions amid ongoing conflict, as staff are often labeled as dangers.
The Biden administration has ramped up pressure on Israel to address Gaza's worsening humanitarian conditions, warning of possible punitive measures including military aid suspension if aid flow does not increase within a month. Such involvement signals U.S. concern over the implications of the ongoing conflict.
The Israeli army claims to make significant efforts to facilitate aid passage and has trained civil affairs officers to deal with civilian-related issues. However, no response was given to specific incidents of alleged troop aggression, raising questions about accountability and the overall sincerity of these claims.
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