Photo from the archive: the aftermath of the shelling of the UN convoy on August 27, 2024. Gaza: UN convoy incident and shelling of Khan Yunis Peace and security
The Israeli army delayed a UN convoy heading to the northern Gaza Strip for more than eight hours on Monday, despite detailed prior coordination of the route, said Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the UNRWA Refugee Agency (UNRWA).
The convoy, according to the head of UNRWA, was carrying humanitarian workers heading to carry out a polio vaccination campaign for children in Gaza City and the northern Strip.
The vehicles were stopped at gunpoint immediately after crossing the Wadi Gaza checkpoint. Israeli military bulldozers caused serious damage to the UN vehicles.
At present, Philippe Lazzarini reported, all UN staff and vehicles have returned safely to base.
“UN staff must be able to carry out their duties in a safe environment and be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law,” the head of UNRWA emphasized. – Gaza is no exception.”
Strike on Khan Younis
Meanwhile, the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Thor Wennesland, on Monday strongly condemned “deadly Israeli airstrikes” on a densely populated area in the Israeli-designated humanitarian zone in Khan Younis where displaced persons were sheltering.
“While the Israeli military said the strike targeted Hamas militants at a command post located in the humanitarian zone, I stress that international humanitarian law must be respected at all times,” Thor Wennesland said. – I also stress that civilians must never be used as “human shields.”
The Special Envoy called on the parties to the conflict to immediately reach an agreement that would lead to the release of all hostages and a ceasefire. “The killing of civilians must stop, and this terrible war must end,” he concluded.