The top U.S. diplomat involved in Gaza's humanitarian response said Israeli forces killed a Palestinian police officer guarding a U.N. aid convoy in Rafah earlier this month.
“As a result, Palestinian police are refusing to protect convoys, and threats from criminal organizations are hampering the delivery of aid into the Gaza Strip,” said David Satterfield, Washington's regional envoy for humanitarian affairs. Ta.
“With the police escort gone, it is now virtually impossible for the United Nations, Jordan, the UAE and other actors to safely move aid in Gaza due to criminal elements,” Satterfield said at a Carnegie-sponsored event. It became,” he said. International Peace Fund.
He added that the police escort includes not only Hamas members but also police officers with no direct ties to the extremist group.
The Israeli military has not yet commented on his remarks.
The United Nations claims aid is being blocked by Israeli forces, a charge Israel denies.
Mr Satterfield was asked if there was any truth to reports that Israeli forces killed “Hamas operatives” guarding a UN aid convoy in Rafah earlier this month.
“IDF [Israel Defense Force] “Ten days ago, two weeks ago, seven, eight, nine police personnel were attacked, including certainly the commander of the unit that was involved in the protection,” he answered.
Satterfield said such escorts were needed because of attacks on aid convoys, first by “desperate” Palestinians and then by “criminal elements.”