Israeli forces detain UN convoy in Gaza

The convoy was en route to northern Gaza to launch a polio vaccination campaign for children

A United Nations convoy led by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) was detained by Israeli forces for over eight hours on Monday, according to UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.

The convoy, which included both national and international staff, was en route to northern Gaza to launch a polio vaccination campaign for children when it was stopped at gunpoint near the Wadi Gaza checkpoint.

Lazzarini reported that Israeli forces threatened to detain the UN staff, and bulldozers caused significant damage to the convoy's armored vehicles.

The incident occurred despite prior coordination with Israeli authorities. Eventually, all staff members and vehicles were released and returned safely to the UN base.

The delay has cast doubt on whether the planned polio vaccination campaign, aimed at children in Gaza City and northern Gaza, will proceed as scheduled on Tuesday.

Lazzarini highlighted that this incident is part of a broader pattern of violations against UN staff, citing previous instances of shootings at convoys and arrests at checkpoints by the Israeli military, despite advanced notifications.

He emphasised that UN personnel must be allowed to carry out their humanitarian duties in safety, in line with international humanitarian law.

Israel's ongoing onslasught has resulted in significant casualties and destruction in Gaza, with local health authorities reporting over 41,100 deaths and nearly 94,800 injuries among Palestinians, predominantly women and children.

Israel’s military actions in Gaza have faced international scrutiny, including accusations of genocide before the International Court of Justice.