Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a statement on Tuesday, alleging that Israeli forces have targeted aid worker locations in Gaza multiple times, despite prior provision of coordinates to Israeli authorities for their protection.
According to HRW, there have been eight documented cases where aid convoys and premises were attacked, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 individuals, including two children. These incidents contribute to a larger toll, with more than 250 aid workers killed in Gaza since the onset of the conflict over seven months ago, as reported by UN figures.
HRW criticized what it referred to as “fundamental flaws” in the deconfliction system, designed to safeguard aid workers and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza safely. In all eight instances, the organizations had reportedly provided coordinates to Israeli authorities, highlighting shortcomings in the protection mechanisms.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in significant casualties, with over 1,170 people, mostly civilians, reportedly killed, according to Israeli official figures cited by AFP. Additionally, militants are said to have seized approximately 250 hostages, with a portion still held in Gaza.
The conflict has led to extensive casualties, with at least 35,173 people, primarily civilians, reported killed by Gaza’s health ministry as a result of Israel’s bombardment and ground offensive.
HRW emphasized the dire humanitarian consequences of the war and siege on Gaza, with the UN expressing concerns over aid restrictions exacerbating the looming famine in the region.
Belkis Wille, HRW’s associate crisis, conflict, and arms director, condemned the attacks, stating that Israel’s actions hinder access to critical humanitarian provisions while simultaneously targeting aid convoys delivering assistance.
HRW highlighted the case of the World Central Kitchen, where seven aid workers were killed in an Israeli strike on their convoy on April 1. The organization emphasized that such incidents were not isolated mistakes but part of a pattern of attacks despite prior coordination with Israeli authorities.
Among the targeted organizations were Doctors Without Borders and UNRWA, both experiencing multiple attacks on their convoys and premises. HRW noted that these attacks, if confirmed, would constitute unlawful actions, either as indiscriminate or failing to take adequate precautions to ensure military targets were not affected.
In a recent incident on Monday, a UN staff member was killed, and another injured when their clearly-marked vehicle was struck in Rafah, southern Gaza, despite conveying its movements to Israeli authorities in advance, according to the UN.
