On Saturday, the Iran-backed Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a rocket that struck the Erez Crossing, a critical border point for humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The attack targeted a vital conduit for assistance, potentially disrupting relief efforts for civilians in the area. The situation underscores ongoing tensions and the impact on humanitarian operations in the region.
“Following the projectile that fell in the area of the Erez Crossing of the Ministry of Defense’s Crossings Authority, hits that caused damage both to the area of the crossing and adjacent to the humanitarian truck compound were identified,” the The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement.
“We emphasize that since the beginning of December, over 1,200 humanitarian aid trucks have entered the Gaza Strip through the Erez Crossing of the Israel Ministry of Defense Crossing Points Authority (CPA), containing food, water, medical supplies, and shelter equipment.”
The IDF said the terrorist group “systematically” violates the law and injures innocent civilians.
“The Hamas terrorist organization systematically violates international law, while exploiting civilian infrastructure and the Gazan population as human shields for terrorist activity.”
“The IDF, through COGAT [Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories], will continue to act in accordance with international law to enable and facilitate the transfer of humanitarian aid to the residents of the Gaza Strip,” the statement read.
The IDF released video evidence earlier last week allegedly recovered from Hamas operatives, showing terrorists planting a bomb near the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza. The footage, reportedly recorded by Hamas members, demonstrates their use of civilian areas for military purposes in violation of international law.
According to the IDF, the video depicts Hamas planting explosives approximately 45 meters from the hospital. The IDF emphasized that such actions endanger civilians and violate the neutrality of medical facilities, which are protected under international law. This footage emerged after the IDF concluded operations around the Indonesian Hospital last week. Givati Brigade troops, operating under the 162nd Brigade, neutralized explosives in the vicinity, captured multiple terrorists, and engaged militants attempting to flee the hospital.
The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) criticized Israel’s raid on the hospital but did not condemn the alleged actions of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, who reportedly operated within and around the medical facility. Israeli officials defended their response, citing the immediate threat posed by militants using hospitals as shields. The IDF reiterated its commitment to minimizing harm to civilians while countering terrorist threats embedded in populated areas.
