Israeli Soldiers Attack Aid Worker Places in Gaza

Israeli soldiers have attacked aid worker trucks and buildings at least 8 times in Gaza since October 2023. They attacked even though aid groups told Israeli officials exactly where the trucks and buildings were located. At least 15 people were killed in the attacks, including 2 children. 16 other people were hurt.

Problems with Telling Israel Locations

The attacks show there are big problems with the system of telling Israel where aid workers are. Aid groups give Israel the locations to try to prevent attacks. But the attacks still happened without any warning.

“Israel killing 7 workers from World Central Kitchen was shocking and should not have happened,” said Belkis Wille from Human Rights Watch. “These repeated attacks show Israel’s allies need to understand Israel is failing to protect civilian aid operations.”

Drone Strike on Marked Aid Trucks

One of the worst incidents was on April 1 when an Israeli drone fired missiles at marked World Central Kitchen aid trucks after leaving a food warehouse. 7 aid workers were killed. The group had told Israel the route ahead of time. Israel called it a “grave mistake,” but the pattern suggests it was not just a single error.

U.S. Bombs Used in Some Attacks

On January 18, 3 people were hurt in an attack on a guest house used by two aid groups. UN investigators said the attack likely used a U.S.-made guided bomb dropped from an Israeli jet that has British parts.

Other Deadly Attacks

Other attacks hit trucks and buildings of groups like Doctors Without Borders and the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, even after telling Israel the locations. On February 20, an Israeli tank hit a building in Khan Younis housing only Doctors Without Borders staff and families, killing 2. 

Breaking Laws of War

The repeated attacks may violate laws of war that prohibit striking civilians. Aid groups accuse Israel of blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza as a “starvation” method of warfare.

Israel has not properly investigated the incidents or held anyone responsible. Human Rights Watch says Israel’s allies should stop sending weapons to Israel and pressure it to follow international laws protecting aid operations.

“On one hand, Israel is blocking life-saving aid and on the other, attacking trucks bringing what little aid they allow. These crimes must have accountability,” Human Rights Watch stated.