Israeli ground forces disguised themselves as humanitarian aid workers to infiltrate the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza, leading to the deaths of over 200 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. This operation, which involved the US military’s assistance, has sparked outrage and condemnation from various quarters.
Footage aired by Al Jazeera TV showed the truck, purportedly carrying humanitarian aid, entering Nuseirat accompanied by armored tanks. A survivor recounted the horrifying moment to reporters: “A truck arrived carrying humanitarian aid and clothes, and suddenly 10 soldiers got out and shot me, once in the chest and twice in the feet. The artillery shelling started, and I saw dozens of citizens on the ground, including people with their heads cut off.”
The Prill branded truck, which reportedly came from the USA built pier in the Gaza Sea, was used to covertly bring in Israeli forces. Israeli media, including Israel Hayom, confirmed the use of a “furniture delivery” truck for the operation near Al-Awda Hospital, where Israeli forces, including Shin Bet and the Israel Police special counterterrorism unit Yamam, conducted the assault.
The operation successfully recovered four Israeli captives, who were then transported to a US-built floating pier using the same truck. However, the operation’s execution led to a significant civilian toll, with Gaza health officials reporting over 200 deaths.
Hamas, the governing body in Gaza, issued a statement condemning the operation and the involvement of the US military. “We confirm that what was revealed by American and Hebrew media about American participation in the criminal operation that was carried out today,” the statement read, accusing Washington of complicity in war crimes. Hamas called on the international community to increase pressure and condemn the actions, urging for justice for the victims.
Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan, a pediatric intensive care doctor with Doctors Without Borders (MSF), described the scene at Al-Aqsa Hospital as a “complete bloodbath,” likening it to a slaughterhouse due to the severe injuries and loss of life.
US President Joe Biden, speaking from France, emphasized the importance of securing the release of all hostages and achieving a ceasefire. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan echoed this sentiment from Washington, supporting efforts to secure the release of hostages, including American citizens, through various means.
Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, declared the incident a “complex war crime,” accusing Israel of killing several captives during the operation. Abu Obeida, a spokesman for the Qassam Brigades, warned that the operation would have severe repercussions for the conditions and lives of remaining captives.
Israeli officials, meanwhile, praised the operation as a significant success. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the operation’s complexity and danger but affirmed his decision to proceed to rescue the captives, trusting the elite forces involved.
The recovery of the captives also influenced political dynamics in Israel, with opposition leader Benny Gantz delaying his resignation from Netanyahu’s emergency government following the operation.
