Israel Kills, Detains Gaza Aid Truck Drivers and Guards – ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English

Multiple Palestinian aid truck drivers and security personnel have been killed and detained by Israeli forces in Gaza, according to an Asharq Al-Awsat report. Bilal Abu Moussa, a security guard for aid organizations like UNICEF and UNRWA, was killed on July 14 in al-Mawasi, northwest of Rafah, after being shot by Israeli drones and military vehicles. His brother stated Bilal had repeatedly complained that Israeli forces deliberately fired at security personnel and drivers. On July 20, an Israeli drone strike killed three employees of Rimal al-Sahra Security, a company protecting World Food Program aid, which denied Israeli accusations of weapons smuggling, stating their personnel carried company-issued weapons for protection under agreed protocols.

“in cold blood.”

Ahmed Nasser Isleem, a truck driver for World Central Kitchen, was reportedly shot dead at point-blank range by an Israeli soldier on July 8 after his truck broke down. Other drivers with him claimed they were beaten and stripped. In late May, two other drivers, Mahmoud Awad and Mohammed al-Hila, were also killed by Israeli forces in Rafah in what was described as a “summary execution” after soldiers allegedly opened fire on them during a coordinated aid transport. Despite an Israeli army investigation and changed instructions, the targeting has continued, with four drivers wounded and at least 16 arrested or detained since then, leading to protests by drivers and transport companies against the ongoing dangers and humiliating treatment.