Israeli Airstrike Hits Aid Convoy in Gaza

An Israeli military airstrike on August 29 targeted a humanitarian aid convoy organized by the American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera) in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of four to five individuals, all local transportation employees. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the strike was necessary due to armed militants hijacking the lead vehicle of the convoy, asserting that the route had been coordinated with them in advance. Anera described the incident as 'shocking,' emphasizing that the convoy was meant to deliver medical supplies and fuel to an Emirati hospital. Concurrently, a new polio case was confirmed in Gaza for the first time in 25 years, prompting urgent vaccination efforts amid the ongoing conflict. This situation underscores the escalating risks faced by humanitarian organizations in the region and the potential public health crisis that the polio outbreak could provoke. The international community continues to pressure Israel to ensure the safety of humanitarian operations in Gaza.