Israeli Military Accused of Striking Aid Organizations Despite Receiving Coordinates
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is facing accusations of striking aid organizations in Gaza, despite receiving coordinates of the buildings from Catholic Relief Services. Emails dated from Oct. 14 to Oct. 26 reveal that the aid organization sent the coordinates of several buildings to Senate staffers, who forwarded them to the Israeli military. Among the coordinates sent were those for four buildings, including two that were later struck by Israeli forces.
The emails also show that the Israeli military confirmed to the staffers that it had located the positions of the facilities on the list, including the two that were hit. However, they also reportedly told the staffers that they “can’t guarantee” the safety of the dozens of civilians inside.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by aid organizations in protecting their buildings and staff from getting hit in the midst of conflict. It also raises questions about the degree to which lawmakers have involved themselves in running interference with the Israeli government to help protect humanitarian organizations.
The aid organization and the congressional staffers involved in the exchange were granted anonymity to continue their work without fear of retribution. Frantic messages between leaders of the aid organization and congressional staffers reveal their attempts to help the Israeli military pinpoint the exact location of the buildings.
The religious and aid organizations have been sending coordinates to the U.N. and to Israel directly since fighting started in October. The Biden administration has also been sending Israel the locations of aid organizations in Gaza. Despite these efforts, Israel has continued to conduct operations against Hamas in or near aid sites, including hospitals.
In response to the accusations, the IDF did not provide a comment. However, it is clear that aid organizations are working tirelessly to protect civilians in Gaza, despite the challenges they face in doing so. With the situation on the ground becoming increasingly complex, further efforts are needed to ensure the safety of civilians and humanitarian organizations in conflict zones.