UN warns of danger to staff amid Gaza polio vaccine convoy halt

On Monday, a UN convoy involved in a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza was halted by Israeli soldiers at the Al Rashid checkpoint. The convoy, consisting of 12 UN staff members, had coordinated its movement with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in advance. However, the situation escalated when the IDF detained two staff members for questioning, leading to live shots being fired and UN vehicles being damaged by military equipment. The convoy remained at the checkpoint for over seven hours, ultimately unable to complete its humanitarian mission. The UN humanitarian coordinator for Palestine, Muhannad Hadi, expressed grave concerns about the safety of UN personnel, emphasizing that their lives were endangered during the incident. Despite prior coordination with the IDF, the convoy was subjected to aggressive actions, including soldiers pointing weapons at the staff and the use of tanks and bulldozers. This incident underscores the ongoing risks faced by humanitarian workers in Gaza, who often encounter violence while delivering aid. The IDF justified its actions by claiming it acted on intelligence regarding the presence of Palestinian suspects in the convoy. They asserted that the convoy was not transporting polio vaccines but was instead involved in personnel exchange. This claim has been met with skepticism by UN officials, who have repeatedly highlighted the challenges and dangers their staff face in the region. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN’s main agency for humanitarian relief in Palestine, criticized the incident as part of a troubling pattern of violations against UN staff, including previous shootings and arrests at checkpoints. He reiterated the need for adequate protection for humanitarian personnel under international humanitarian law, which remains unfulfilled in the current context.