KUALA LUMPUR - A United Nations (UN) convoy en route to roll out a crucial polio vaccination campaign for children in Gaza City and northern Gaza was delayed for over eight hours on Monday after being stopped by the Israeli forces.
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said the convoy, despite prior detailed coordination, was stopped at gunpoint just after the Wadi Gaza checkpoint with threats to detain UN staff.
"Heavy damage was caused by bulldozers to the UN armoured vehicles," Lazzarini shared in his X post, which was also reposted on UNRWA’s X account.
"All staff & convoy are now released & back safely in the UN base.
"We are not able to confirm whether the polio campaign will take place tomorrow, (Tuesday) in northern Gaza," said Lazzarini.
Lazzarini condemned the incident, calling it the latest in a series of alarming violations against UN personnel, including shootings at convoys and arrests at checkpoints despite prior notifications.
"UN staff must be allowed to carry out their duties safely and be protected at all times, in accordance with international humanitarian law. Gaza is no exception," stressed Lazzarini. - BERNAMA