The United Nations humanitarian agency (OCHA) said on Tuesday that the Israeli military had halted a medical evacuation convoy in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, arresting a paramedic and forcing others to remove their clothes.
According to reports, the event occurred on Sunday while 24 patients were being evacuated from the city’s Al-Amal Hospital. The Israeli military did not respond immediately, stating it was investigating the facts of the event cited by the OCHA.
As per the aid agencies and Palestinian officials, the hospital facility has been under siege since Israel launched its armed onslaught against Hamas in Gaza.
Jens Laerke, the spokesperson for OCHA, said, “Despite prior coordination for all staff members and vehicles with the Israeli side, the Israeli forces blocked the WHO-led (World Health Organization) convoy for many hours the moment it left the hospital”.
“The Israeli military forced patients and staff out of ambulances and stripped all paramedics of their clothes”, Laerke continued.
Laerke went on to say, “Three Palestinian Red Crescent Society paramedics were subsequently detained, although their details had been shared with the Israeli forces in advance”.
He stated that one paramedic was eventually released and called for the release of the other two, as well as all other jailed health staff.
Israel has repeatedly stated that it takes precautions to limit civilian losses and accused Hamas fighters of hiding among civilians, especially in hospitals. Hamas denies doing so.
Hamas gunmen killed 1,200 people and took 253 prisoners in an attack on Israel on October 7.
The bombing launched Israel’s offensive in Hamas-controlled Gaza, which it claims is aimed at rescuing the remaining hostages and eliminating Hamas. Almost 30,000 individuals have been verified killed throughout the onslaught.
Laerke stated that Sunday’s incident was not isolated, with relief convoys being fired on, humanitarian personnel being harassed, intimidated, or detained, and humanitarian infrastructure being damaged.
Israel has previously denied obstructing the entry of supplies.
According to U.N. data and officials, the flow of aid to Gaza from Egypt has reduced, making it increasingly difficult to distribute food that does get through.
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