The Israeli military detained a United Nations convoy in Gaza for several hours, during which shots were fired, according to UN Secretary General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. The incident escalated quickly after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stopped the convoy at a checkpoint and demanded two passengers for questioning. Dujarric stated that Israeli soldiers pointed weapons at UN personnel, and tanks and bulldozers rammed the convoy, trapping staff inside.
Read more: Israeli Forces Arrest UN Convoy in Gaza
Despite the tensions, the convoy was eventually released, and all personnel returned safely to a UN base. The IDF initially claimed the convoy was transporting Palestinian suspects, while the UN confirmed it was involved in a polio vaccination campaign for children in Gaza.
UNRWA’s chief, Philippe Lazzarini, condemned the IDF’s actions as part of ongoing violations against UN staff, including previous shootings and arrests at checkpoints.
