The United States has imposed sanctions on Tsav 9, an extremist Israeli group, for obstructing and attacking humanitarian aid trucks destined for Gaza, amid growing concerns over interference with aid delivery and lack of support for the Gaza cease-fire plan.
On June 14, 2024, the United States imposed sanctions on Tsav 9, an extremist Israeli group, for blocking and attacking humanitarian aid trucks destined for Gaza. The US State Department stated that Tsav 9 members have been blockading the Kerem Shalom crossing since January, setting trucks on fire, injuring drivers, and dumping deliveries meant for Gaza residents. In mid-May, Tsav 9 members set fire to two aid trucks near Hebron.
Tsav 9 has criticized the sanctions, claiming that much of the aid is diverted by Hamas. The group has garnered support within Israel, where polls indicate many favor halting or limiting humanitarian shipments to Gaza. Earlier this year, Israeli government officials had also suggested temporary limits on aid.
Videos have shown Israeli security forces not intervening when Tsav 9 members attack aid trucks, with reports of some security forces tipping off the group. The US emphasized the importance of ensuring the safe transport of humanitarian aid to Gaza and condemned acts of sabotage and violence.
Simultaneously, at the G7 Summit in Italy, President Biden faced inquiries about the ongoing Gaza cease-fire plan, which has yet to be publicly accepted by Israel or Hamas. The US has pushed for this cease-fire, supported by the United Nations and G7, to end the war that began with a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, causing significant casualties and humanitarian crises.
The G7 leaders, in their final communiqué, called on both Hamas and Israel to accept the cease-fire deal and adhere to international law, deploring civilian casualties and emphasizing the need to protect civilian lives.