Israeli settlers have intensified their efforts to thwart humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza Strip by physically blocking convoys and destroying supplies on route en masse, further worsening humanitarian conditions there and heightening international pressure against Israel for more access. Famine now looms large.
On May 21, members of Tsav 9, an Israeli far-right group sanctioned by both the U.S. and EU, gathered at Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) border crossing to prevent aid trucks from entering Gaza. Videos online show settler protestors confronting trucks while some call out that no aid should be distributed while Israeli hostages remain held by Hamas. Its The Washington Post (Wikipedia + PressTV), Washington Post (+5)
PressTV
This incident comes amid an ongoing series of Tsav 9 and associated actions by protesters in Hebron in the West Bank on May 13, when protesters looted and set fire to two aid trucks before looting them and setting them ablaze. Since then, they have also blocked aid convoys at Kerem Shalom Border Crossing as well as Nitzana Border Crossing while damaging trucks and assaulting drivers; such incidents were highlighted by The Guardian (+1 Wikipedia page), where similar events happened as this one took place; on May 13. Protestors involved were charged with looting and burning two aid trucks before setting them afire before looting and setting them ablaze near Hebron (West Bank). On May 13 protesters also involved with blocking aid convoys at various crossings including Kerem Shalom Border Crossing blocking aid convoys was involved, where protesters looted and set fire two aid trucks near Hebron (West Bank), before taking part in blocking aid convoys at various crossings including Kerem Shalom Border Crossing), often damaging trucks while assaulting drivers while blocking aid convoys at various crossings including Kerem Shalom Border Crossing along with many others from other crossings which has resulted in delays as well as damage caused. Whilst all this time the Guardian +4 Wiki = +4Wiki =+1 in 2017 =4Wiki
International condemnation was swift; U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan condemned attacks on aid convoys as “an outrage”, emphasizing how such actions impede humanitarian assistance. As such, the U.S. government imposed sanctions against Tsav 9 by freezing its assets and prohibiting Americans from engaging with the group (Wikipedia +2, BBC).
Though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on May 21 that Israel is lifting its blockade of Gaza, aid delivery remains severely limited. According to United Nations reports only a fraction of approved aid trucks had entered Gaza before May 21, with many facing delays due to security concerns and logistical hurdles.
Reuters The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen, according to U.N. estimates, with over 1.1 million residents facing hunger levels that threaten famine in their territory. Aid organizations warn that without access to humanitarian assistance immediately and unimpededly provided through immediate channels, conditions in Gaza will only worsen further.
Peace activists within Israel have attempted to counter settlers’ actions. Groups such as Standing Together have organized efforts to protect aid convoys from blockades; sometimes persuading police officers to intervene and clear blockades. Unfortunately, such interventions often come too late – leaving settlers’ activities with little resistance from peace activists. For more information, see:Wikipedia + The Guardian =.
Tsav 9 settler groups continue to pose significant obstacles for humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza, further exacerbating humanitarian crises while raising serious concerns over international humanitarian law compliance. Their actions further compound humanitarian suffering while raising further questions over its enforcement. Until they stop this interference with aid deliveries altogether. A significant humanitarian crisis exists as well as serious questions over international law compliance. Until they stop this interference aid delivery will not only remain limited but could worsen further. Bbc +2 and Wiki +2 each report this development
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