The Palestine Red Crescent Society warns of the dangers posed by the use of a humanitarian aid truck as cover for military operations

Last Saturday Israeli occupation forces used an aid truck to infiltrate the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, which then lead to the death of hundreds of people. The massacre resulted in the killing of 274 people, including 64 children and 57 women, in addition to injuring 700 others. 

Israel’s actions are troubling for several reasons. One is using a trusted source for people trapped in the conflict is a violation of international humanitarian and customary law, which prohibits the crime of perfidy. The hiding of military forces inside an aid truck is considered a war crime against civilians. The occupation forces deceived people by pretending to be giving aid.

The second reason is it destroys the trust of the civilians population in those who are delivering aid. This again puts humanitarian aid workers and health care workers at risk.

These actions come at a time when people living in Gaza desperately need aid, amid suffering from acute food insecurity and ongoing concern for famine.

PRCS calls on the international community to hold the occupying authorities accountable for their actions.

There cannot be the massacre of civilians, they must be protected alongside humanitarians, and medical personnel in accordance with International Humanitarian Law.