The U.S. Sanctions an Israeli Group for Hindering Aid to Gaza

The U.S. State Department has announced sanctions against an Israeli group that blocked humanitarian aid routes to civilians in Gaza last month. Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the department, stated on Friday, June 15, that the group attacked two trucks in the West Bank, looting and burning the aid sent to Gaza. He said, 'We will not tolerate the destructive and violent actions targeting these essential humanitarian aids.' Members of the group 'Tzav 9' attempted to obstruct aid to civilians in Gaza by blocking the Jordan-Gaza route on May 13. Videos shared on social media showed protesters throwing boxes of food and humanitarian aid from the trucks onto the ground. Axios reported that the U.S. is sanctioning an Israeli army battalion. The group claimed in its statement that the aid 'goes directly to Hamas.' According to the U.S. State Department, this group has also damaged the trucks carrying the aid. Mr. Miller announced on Friday that the U.S. is working to hold such groups accountable and urged the Israeli government to do the same. The spokesperson further stated, 'Providing humanitarian aid is vital to prevent the worsening of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reduce the risk of famine.' These sanctions come after an executive order signed by President Joe Biden last March, allowing the U.S. to impose sanctions on extremist Israeli settlers who 'threaten' peace and stability in the West Bank. The Biden administration sanctioned two Israeli outposts and three Jewish settlers last March, accusing them of undermining stability in the West Bank and urged Israel to take further action to prevent settler violence.