Israeli security forces accused of aiding far-right in Gaza aid obstruction
Israeli security forces are under scrutiny for aiding far-right activists and settlers in obstructing aid deliveries to Gaza. Multiple sources have reported that individual members of the Israeli police and military are tipping off these groups about the location of aid trucks, allowing them to intercept and vandalize the convoys, according to the Guardian.
According to reports, illegal Israeli settlers intercepting the aid trucks receive information from Israeli security personnel, leading to coordinated blockades. The aid, meant for Gaza’s civilian population, is claimed to be diverted by Hamas, a contention that relief agencies vehemently reject.
Rachel Touitou, a spokesperson for the Israeli group Tzav 9, defended the actions, stating that when security forces are directed to protect aid convoys that end up in the hands of Hamas, civilians may feel compelled to provide intelligence to block such aid deliveries.
Palestinian drivers delivering aid have recounted instances of attacks on their vehicles, alleging collusion between settlers and Israeli security forces. Despite the presence of soldiers, they claim no intervention was made to prevent the attacks.
‘Baseless allegations’: Israeli Defense Forces
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have refuted these allegations, calling them baseless. However, reports suggest ongoing investigations by the police into incidents related to aid convoy disruptions and vandalism.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials have proposed governmental intervention to oversee aid deliveries to Gaza directly, aiming to prevent further incidents of obstruction by activist groups.
The collaboration between Israeli security forces and settlers has long been a point of contention, with previous instances of soldiers providing classified information to extreme activists. The current accusations add fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Death toll rising
Since the onset of the conflict in October, the toll on Palestinian lives continues to rise alarmingly, with over 35,600 fatalities reported thus far. Shockingly, the vast majority of those killed are reported to be women and children, amplifying concerns about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
Alongside the staggering death toll, nearly 79,900 Palestinians have been injured, further underscoring the intensity of the violence and its devastating impact on civilian populations. The conflict has left countless families shattered, communities in despair, and infrastructure in ruins.
