Topline
The Biden administration imposed sanctions Friday against the Israeli group Tzav 9 for blockading humanitarian aid intended for civilians in Gaza, the State Department confirmed—as the administration presses for more aid to enter Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war.
Key Facts
Tzav 9 members have “repeatedly sought to thwart the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza” for months by blocking roads, damaging trucks and dumping aid onto roads, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.
The State Department also mentioned a May 13 incident when it says group members “looted and then set fire to two trucks” delivering aid in the West Bank, though a Tzav 9 leader denied responsibility for burning the trucks.
The sanctions freeze any Tzav 9 assets under U.S. jurisdiction and prevent U.S. citizens from dealing with the group, The Washington Post reported.
Tzav 9—described by the U.S. as an extremist group—told CNN the move is “a fatal blow to the families who aim to stop the aid to the enemy Hamas in time of war.”
Crucial Quote
“The actions by extremists to block, harass, and violently damage convoys carrying humanitarian assistance to people in Gaza are unacceptable,” Miller said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Tangent
Negotiations for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas remain ongoing, with the United States pressing Hamas to accept a three-phase deal to end the war. Hamas officials reportedly asked for amendments Tuesday, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken telling reporters some of the changes are workable while others are not.
Big Number
More than 37,000. That’s how many Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s war on Gaza, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing the Hamas-run health ministry.
Key Background
Israeli protestors have repeatedly blocked aid trucks from reaching Gaza over the past few months, with the most recent incident reportedly occurring Tuesday. The Israeli government has also been accused of preventing aid—though it has denied such allegations. President Joe Biden said in mid-April that the Israeli government’s efforts to increase aid to Gaza were “not enough,” and Israel said it would increase aid efforts. Israel’s pledge came days after an “unintended strike” from its forces killed seven workers from World Central Kitchen. The U.S. has previously issued sanctions against a handful of settlers in the West Bank, including a visa ban in early December and a February executive order targeting those “undermining peace, security, and stability in the West Bank.”
Further Reading
Far-right Israeli settlers step up attacks on aid trucks bound for Gaza (The Washington Post)
WHO says many people in Gaza facing 'famine-like conditions' (Reuters)
Hundreds of trucks full of aid sit idle near border with Gaza as crisis deepens (NBC News)
Hamas Asks For ‘Amendments’ In Cease-Fire Proposal Response—U.S. ‘Evaluating’ Request (Forbes)
Israel says aid to Gaza is ramping up — but the UN says it’s yet to see a major change on the ground (CNN)
