IDF releases clip of mortar attack on troops escorting UN aid convoy, blames Hamas

Hamas launched mortars at Israeli troops escorting a United Nations humanitarian aid convoy in the central Gaza Strip earlier today, the military says, publishing footage of the incident.

The IDF and COGAT had been coordinating a UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) convoy, part of a mission to reunite children from northern Gaza with their families in the south, the military says.

“During the coordinated activity, the Hamas terrorist organization fired a projectile at the humanitarian route near the UNICEF aid convoy and IDF soldiers securing the area,” it says in a statement.

Video published by the IDF shows at least one mortar striking just a few meters from soldiers and a UN vehicle.

It says the convoy later proceeded along the route as planned, and there were no injuries in the attack.

“Despite the IDF’s attempts to increase humanitarian aid and activities for Gazan residents, Hamas continues to exploit these efforts and endanger the lives of Gazan civilians,” the military adds.

Today, during a @UNICEF aid mission meant to reunite children with their families, Hamas fired a projectile at the aid convoy.

There were no injuries to international aid workers or @IDF soldiers in the attack.

Despite our attempts to increase humanitarian aid and activities… pic.twitter.com/lXkfxFTpyr

— COGAT (@cogatonline) June 25, 2024