10 September 2024
From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter)
The Israeli Army stopped a UN convoy on its way to northern Gaza for more than eight hours today (Monday) despite prior detailed coordination.
The convoy had both national and international staff traveling to roll out the polio vaccination campaign for children in Gaza city and northern Gaza.
The convoy was stopped at gun point just after the Wadi Gaza checkpoint with threats to detain UN staff.
Heavy damage was caused by bulldozers to the UN armoured vehicles.
All staff and convoy are now released and back safely in the UN base. We are not able to confirm whether the polio campaign will take place tomorrow, (Tuesday) in northern Gaza.
This significant incident is the latest in a series of violations against UN staff including shootings at convoys and arrests by the Israeli Armed Forces at checkpoints despite prior notification.
UN Staff must be allowed to undertake their duties in safety and be protected at all times in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Gaza is no different.
Document Sources: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Subject: Access and movement, Armed conflict, Assistance, Gaza Strip, Health, Human rights and international humanitarian law, Refugees and displaced persons
Publication Date: 10/09/2024
URL source: https://www.unrwa.org/newsroom/official-statements/israeli-army-stopped-un-convoy-its-way-northern-gaza