The Israeli army and attacks on humanitarian convoys
According to a report by the Human Rights Watch organization, Israel’s army has carried out several attacks against humanitarian convoys and their facilities in Gaza since last October. These attacks have taken place despite humanitarian organizations having provided the coordinates to the Israeli authorities. These attacks have caused the death and injuries of several people.
Specific attacks
One of the most serious incidents took place on April 1, when seven aid workers were killed in a drone strike in the city of Deir al-Balah. This attack was carried out against a convoy of vehicles belonging to the organization World Central Kitchen (WCK). According to Human Rights Watch, the convoy was following an agreed route with the Israeli military and there were no military targets nearby.
Other attacks have taken place against convoys of different humanitarian organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the International Committee for Rescue and Medical Aid for Palestine and the American Near East Refugee Aid. In all these cases, the organizations had shared coordinates with Israeli authorities and there were no military targets nearby.
Reactions and investigations
Human Rights Watch has denounced these attacks and urged the Israeli authorities to take steps to prevent them in the future. Israel’s military has attributed some of these attacks to mistaken identity and said there was no intent to harm aid workers.
These attacks have generated great concern in the international community and have highlighted the importance of protecting humanitarian convoys and ensuring the safety of the workers who carry out this essential work.