The office clarified on Friday morning that Israeli forces are obligated under international humanitarian law to facilitate and protect the delivery of aid. It noted that since the beginning of August, 11 incidents have been documented where Palestinians were targeted while protecting convoys in northern and central Gaza, resulting in the death of at least 46 people, most of whom were security personnel accompanying the convoys, along with some aid seekers, and injuring others.
The statement indicated that these incidents are part of a recurring pattern suggesting a ‘deliberate targeting’ of civilians involved in securing humanitarian needs, similar to attacks on civilian police forces since the start of the war, leading to a collapse of public order around supply convoys amidst increasing desperation among the population.
The office mentioned that civilian police and security personnel are protected under international law unless they participate directly in hostilities, which does not apply to securing aid missions, asserting that targeting them is a direct violation of Israel’s obligations as an occupying power.
In a related context, the Human Rights Office revealed that between May 27 and August 13, at least 1,760 Palestinians were killed while attempting to receive aid, including 994 killed near ‘Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’ sites, and 766 on supply convoy routes, noting that most of these crimes were committed by Israeli forces. The office called for an urgent and independent investigation and holding those responsible accountable.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that continuing Israeli restrictions and delays at crossings are hindering the flow of supplies, noting that only five out of twelve humanitarian missions were carried out without obstacles yesterday, while four were canceled and three were hindered before completion.
Amid increasing cases of death due to hunger, including children arriving at hospitals because of malnutrition, the World Health Organization warned that health facilities in Gaza can no longer accommodate the increasing number of patients, calling for immediate restoration of access to healthcare.
Since October 7, 2023, until August 11, the war on Gaza has resulted in the death of more than 61,000 Palestinians and about 154,000 injuries, according to Palestinian Ministry of Health data. Despite this, Israel continues its military operations and recently announced the approval of a plan to fully occupy the sector. Israeli officials, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, continue to discuss claims of ‘Greater Israel,’ a term that involves occupying the remaining Palestinian territories in addition to other areas.
