An Israeli government spokesperson has categorically denied allegations that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) deliberately target aid workers, referring to such claims as "blood libel." This statement comes in response to calls from a British Labour MP for thorough investigations into recent attacks resulting in the deaths of humanitarian staff.
Hamish Falconer, minister for the Middle East and North Africa, expressed on social media the necessity for protection of aid workers, asserting that they "must never be targeted." Falconer further urged accountability following Israel's admission of responsibility for a deadly strike on United Nations premises in Gaza, stating, "Following Israel's admission of responsibility for recent strikes on UN premises in Gaza, it must investigate all attacks that have killed aid workers, hold those responsible to account, and ensure this never happens again."
The controversy centres on an attack carried out on 19 March on a UN building in Deir al Balah, which houses the UN's Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The strike, carried out by an Israeli tank, resulted in the death of a Bulgarian UN staff member and injuries to six other international personnel. Initially, the IDF denied involvement in the attack. However, on 24 April, they acknowledged responsibility, stating that the firing was based on the "assessed enemy presence" at the site, which was not identified as a UN facility at the time.
Oren Marmorstein, spokesperson for the Israeli Foreign Ministry, strongly refuted claims that the IDF intentionally targeted aid workers. Speaking to MKFM, he said, "Israel never targets aid workers. Israel targets terrorists only, and any other suggestion is pure blood libel and must be retracted." He explained that Israel conducts transparent investigations when aid workers are harmed and pointed to the IDF’s readiness to admit responsibility for the strike on the UN building.
Furthermore, Marmorstein challenged parallels drawn by Falconer, suggesting that the UK should examine its own record regarding civilian casualties during armed conflicts, remarking, "We hope that the level of accountability would match that of Israel."
The UN's Office for Project Services chief, Jorge Moreira da Silva, contested the IDF's claim of inadvertence, stating that Israel was aware of the building's location and the identities of those working there, concluding, "This was not an accident."
Sky News reported that the IDF had prior knowledge that the targeted building belonged to the UN and that the incident is currently under investigation by Israeli military authorities. The same source noted that attacks on aid workers in Gaza have reached their highest levels in nearly a year.
The incident underscores the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding military operations, humanitarian efforts, and the protection of aid workers in conflict zones, particularly in Gaza under the current blockade conditions.
Source: Noah Wire Services