UNITED NATIONS: A UN convoy transporting workers for a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza was attacked at an Israeli military checkpoint on Tuesday, according to a UN spokesperson. The convoy was reportedly held at gunpoint, with shots fired and vehicles rammed by a bulldozer.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, described the incident as “the latest example of the unacceptable dangers and impediments faced by humanitarian personnel in Gaza” due to Israeli forces.
The convoy, carrying 12 staff members en route to support the polio campaign in northern Gaza Strip, had coordinated its movements with Israeli forces in advance. Despite this, the situation escalated when Israeli forces detained two UN staff members for questioning. The convoy was surrounded by Israeli soldiers, who pointed weapons at the personnel and fired shots.
The incident further intensified when IDF tanks and a bulldozer rammed the UN vehicles from both ends. The bulldozer also dropped debris onto the lead vehicle, while Israeli soldiers threatened the staff, preventing them from safely exiting.
Dujarric condemned the actions of the Israeli forces, stating that the incident and their conduct endangered the lives of the UN staff.
