A United Nations convoy carrying workers for a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza was held at gunpoint by Israeli forces at a military checkpoint, according to a UN spokesman. The tense situation escalated as shots were fired and UN vehicles were rammed by an Israeli bulldozer.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, condemned the incident as “the latest example of the unacceptable dangers and impediments that humanitarian personnel in Gaza are experiencing at the hands of Israeli forces.”
The convoy, carrying 12 UN staff members, was en route to northern Gaza to support the polio vaccination campaign. Dujarric emphasized that all movements of the convoy were pre-coordinated with Israeli forces, with full details provided in advance. However, upon reaching the checkpoint, Israeli forces demanded that two UN staff members be held for questioning. The situation quickly deteriorated as soldiers pointed weapons at the convoy and encircled the vehicles.
“The convoy was then approached by IDF tanks and a bulldozer, which rammed the UN vehicles from the front and back, compacting the convoy with staff inside,” Dujarric added. One bulldozer also dropped debris on the lead vehicle, further endangering the lives of those inside, while Israeli soldiers issued threats, preventing the staff from safely exiting the vehicles.
The UN expressed serious concern over the conduct of Israeli forces, stressing that the incident endangered the lives of humanitarian workers.
