UN Aid Convoy Fired Upon in Gaza
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) confirms an aid convoy was shot at by the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip, causing vehicle damage but no injuries.
Cameron Jordan
- 2023-12-29
- Updated 06:19 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - During a routine mission, a United Nations aid convoy came under fire from the Israeli military while returning from northern Gaza on a road prearranged by the Israeli forces, UNRWA reported on Friday. Thomas White, UNRWA’s director in Gaza, disclosed that the incident occurred without any casualties; the international convoy leader and his team remained unharmed though one of the vehicles sustained damage. According to UNRWA, the incident was unprovoked and took place on Thursday afternoon.
Reactions and Investigations
In a swift response to the shooting incident, the Israeli military acknowledged the reports and affirmed that an investigation is currently underway. The event has raised international concern, with Martin Griffiths, the head of United Nations humanitarian operations, voicing strong criticism over the challenging conditions humanitarian workers face in the region. He remarked upon the dangers such as gunfire targeting aid convoys, and delays at crossing points that severely hinder the aid delivery process to the Gaza Strip.
The international community has been alerted to the distressing conditions in Gaza through Griffiths, who pointed out the dire experiences faced by humanitarian workers, including displacement and casualties within their ranks. The challenges are further compounded by exhaustive inspections, confusion due to a perpetually changing list of prohibited items, which results in lengthy queues, adding stress to the already traumatic situation of the densely populated area.
Griffiths concluded by emphasizing the urgency of ceasing hostilities, alerting to the untenable circumstances for the citizens of Gaza and the individuals endeavoring to provide them with aid. He warned that without a stop to the fighting, the crisis may become insurmountable for both the local inhabitants and the aid workers trying to assist them.