According to the American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera) group, a convoy transporting medical supplies and fuel to an Emirati hospital in the Gaza Strip was struck by an Israeli missile on Thursday, killing several individuals from a local transport company. Israel has claimed—though no immediate evidence was provided—that it fired upon the convoy after gunmen allegedly took control of it.
Sandra Rasheed, Anera’s director for the Palestinian territory, has said that the strike resulted in the deaths of multiple individuals working for a transportation company that was helping deliver supplies to the Emirates Red Crescent Hospital in Rafah. The incident occurred on Thursday on Salah al-Din Street in the Gaza Strip, targeting the lead vehicle of the convoy.
“Despite this devastating incident, our understanding is that the remaining vehicles in the convoy were able to continue and successfully deliver the aid to the hospital. We are urgently seeking further details about what happened,” the Associated Press quoted Rasheed as saying.
In a subsequent statement, Anera reported that four Palestinians had lost their lives. The organization mentioned that its “coordinated and approved transport plan included unarmed security personnel in the convoy” alongside its local partner, a firm named Move One.
“Shortly after departing Kerem Shalom, initial reports indicate that four community members with experience in previous missions and engagement in community security with Move One stepped forward and requested to take command of the leading vehicle, citing concern that the route was unsafe and at risk of being looted,” Anera said.
