UNRWA Chief’s Organization's Vehicle Convoy Fired On in Gaza: It Was Coordinated and Approved by Israel

JAKARTA - The head of the United Nations agency strongly condemned the attack on his organization's vehicle convoy by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops while they were queuing, asserting that those responsible would be held accountable.

"Heavy fire from Israeli Forces on a UN convoy heading to Gaza City. Although there were no casualties, our teams had to flee and take cover," tweeted the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) Philippe Lazzarini on social media X, as quoted on July 22.

"This happened yesterday. The teams were traveling in clearly marked UN armored vehicles and wearing UN vests," he continued.

The attack was said to have occurred while the convoy was queuing at an Israeli troop checkpoint. As a result, one vehicle belonging to the convoy was badly damaged.

"One vehicle received at least five bullets while queuing in front of an Israeli Troop checkpoint south of Wadi Gaza. The car was badly damaged, leaving the convoy. The team regrouped and eventually reached Gaza City," he said.

He added that the convoy that will head to Gaza on Sunday has been coordinated with Israel as before.

"Like all other similar UN movements, this movement is coordinated and approved by the Government of Israel," he wrote, emphasizing that humanitarian aid work should not be the target of attacks.

"Those responsible must be held accountable," he said.