US sanctions Israeli group for disrupting, destroying humanitarian aid to civilians

The US Department of State is imposing sanctions on Tzav 9, a violent extremist Israeli group that has been blocking, harassing, and damaging convoys carrying lifesaving humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza.

"For months, individuals from Tzav 9 have repeatedly sought to thwart the delivery of humanitarian aid, including by blockading roads, sometimes violently, along their route from Jordan to Gaza, including in the West Bank. They also have damaged aid trucks and dumped life-saving humanitarian aid onto the road. On May 13, 2024, Tzav 9 members looted and then set fire to two trucks near Hebron in the West Bank carrying humanitarian aid destined for men, women, and children in Gaza,'' said Matthew Miller, the Spokesperson for the US Department of State, in a statement.

"The provision of humanitarian assistance is vital to prevent the humanitarian crisis in Gaza from worsening and mitigate the risk of famine,'' he emphasised.

"The Government of Israel has a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian convoys transiting Israel and the West Bank en route to Gaza. We will not tolerate acts of sabotage and violence targeting this essential humanitarian assistance. We will continue to use all tools at our disposal to promote accountability for those who attempt or undertake such heinous acts, and we expect and urge that Israeli authorities do the same.''