Medics Report 12 Aid Convoy Guards Killed in Israeli Strikes in Gaza

Local medics and the Civil Defence authority, which is administered by Hamas, report that Israeli strikes in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 35 Palestinians. Among these fatalities are 12 individuals who were protecting arriving aid lorries. In Rafah, a strike claimed the lives of seven guards who were safeguarding aid lorries from violent armed theft. UN workers have identified such theft as the primary impediment to delivering supplies into southern Gaza. A separate assault in Khan Younis resulted in the deaths of five additional guards. The Israeli military stated that it “conducted precise strikes on armed Hamas terrorists” who had intended to hijack the lorries. The Civil Defence also reported that a distinct Israeli attack near Nuseirat refugee camp caused the deaths of 15 people. Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for the Civil Defence, informed the AFP news agency that “The occupation once again targeted those securing the aid trucks.” He further noted that approximately 30 individuals, predominantly children, sustained injuries in the two aforementioned strikes. Mr. Basal specified that the lorries were transporting flour to warehouses affiliated with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa). Amid recent severe food shortages, UN workers have indicated that violent armed thefts represent the primary barrier to aid delivery in southern Gaza. Both civilians and remaining elements of Hamas police have reportedly mobilized efforts to confront these gangs. Hamas claims that Israeli military strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 700 police officers responsible for securing aid lorries in Gaza since the current conflict commenced on 7 October 2023. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement asserting: “Overnight, following intelligence information indicating the presence of Hamas terrorists, the IDF conducted precise strikes on armed Hamas terrorists gathered at two different meeting points in southern Gaza.” The IDF further stated that “all of the terrorists that were eliminated were members of Hamas and planned to violently hijack humanitarian aid trucks and transfer them to Hamas”. In a separate development, the Civil Defence reported that Israeli air strikes on two residences, one near Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza and another in Gaza City in the north, caused the deaths of an additional 21 individuals. Mr. Basal indicated that at least six children were among the 15 fatalities in Nuseirat, and the remains of six other individuals were discovered following a strike on an apartment in Gaza City. Israel initiated a campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas following the Palestinian group’s unprecedented assault on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, an event that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 individuals being taken hostage. Since that date, over 44,800 people have died in Gaza, as per figures from the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry. Following months of unsuccessful international endeavors to conclude the conflict, Israel’s defense minister has informed his US counterpart of a potential new agreement that could facilitate the release of all remaining hostages, including American citizens. Other accounts have indicated that discussions are underway regarding a restricted deal with Hamas.