An Israeli strike on a humanitarian vehicle in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of four individuals, according to aid organization American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera). The victims were local Palestinians associated with a transportation company contracted by Anera. They had taken control of the lead vehicle for the convoy's security, citing concerns about safety and potential looting along the route.
The convoy's mission and route had been coordinated with Israeli authorities, but the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they attacked the lead car due to the presence of armed individuals, which was not part of the agreed plan. Anera clarified that the convoy's transport plan called for unarmed security guards, and the individuals who were killed had not been approved in advance.
The airstrike, carried out without warning, did not injure any Anera staff members. Despite the incident, the remaining vehicles in the convoy were able to deliver aid to the Emirati Red Crescent Hospital in Gaza successfully.
This incident follows recent attacks on humanitarian convoys in the region, including a World Food Programme convoy that sustained gunfire near an Israeli checkpoint. The United Nations has lodged a formal complaint with Israel regarding the incident.
Pressure is mounting on Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal amidst severe humanitarian crises in Gaza, including starvation, water shortages, displacement, and disease.
Israel's military campaign in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties, with over 40,000 Palestinians killed and more than 93,500 injured, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza. The military operation was launched in response to attacks by Hamas on southern Israel.
