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Rabat – A United Nations convoy on a critical vaccination mission in Gaza was ambushed and fired upon by Israeli Occupation Forces on Monday, raising fresh concerns about the safety of humanitarian workers in the region.
The convoy, identified by its distinctive UN markings, was on its way to administer polio vaccines to thousands of Palestinian children when it was intercepted by Israeli troops at a checkpoint.
According to Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN, the convoy was halted at a checkpoint connecting central and northern Gaza. The Israeli army sought to question two Palestinian staff members, which escalated into a tense standoff.
Dujarric reported that the situation quickly deteriorated, with Israeli soldiers aiming their weapons directly at the UN personnel.
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The confrontation intensified as Israeli forces surrounded the convoy, which was then subjected to gunfire. A bulldozer was used to block the path of one of the UN vehicles, and soldiers reportedly threatened the crew, preventing them from leaving their vehicles safely.
After enduring a terrifying seven and a half hours of siege at the checkpoint, the convoy was forced to return to base without completing its mission.
Dujarric condemned the attack, calling it “the latest example of the unacceptable dangers and obstacles faced by humanitarian workers in Gaza.” He emphasized the severe risks imposed on the UN teams by the aggressive actions of the Israeli military.
In response, the IOF asserted that the convoy had been detained due to intelligence suggesting the presence of “Palestinian suspects” within the group. Israel described the aggressive intervention as a precautionary measure for security reasons.
This incident follows a similar attack last month, when the IOF fired upon a World Food Program (WFP) vehicle in Gaza. Israel attributed that attack to a “communication error,” which led to a temporary suspension of UN employee movements within the enclave.
