In a breaking news update, the Biden administration has imposed sanctions on an Israeli group for disrupting humanitarian convoys headed to Gaza. The US Treasury Department and the US State Department have both taken action against the Tzav 9 movement for obstructing aid deliveries.
These sanctions are the latest punitive measure under an executive order targeting violence in the West Bank. The situation in Gaza has been described as one of the lowest points in the eight-month conflict by humanitarian officials.
The Tzav 9 movement, consisting of demobilized reservists, families of hostages, and settlers, has been leading protests to disrupt critical aid convoys at Kerem Shalom, the country’s sole functioning border crossing with Gaza. Despite the area being declared a closed military zone in February, protesters have continued to try to outmaneuver the police.
According to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, members of Tzav 9 have been obstructing aid delivery for months, including damaging aid trucks and looting and setting fire to trucks carrying humanitarian aid destined for Gaza. The Israeli government has been urged to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian convoys passing through Israel and the West Bank.
In response to the sanctions, Tzav 9 issued a statement condemning the Biden administration’s actions as a blow to families trying to stop aid from reaching Hamas. They also accused the administration of acting against the families of hostages held by Hamas.
The US and humanitarian aid organizations have stated that they are not aware of widespread diversion of aid by Hamas. Reuters first reported the imposition of sanctions on Tzav 9, and President Joe Biden signed an executive order earlier this year allowing sanctions on those causing violence in the West Bank, including Israeli settlers attacking Palestinians.
CNN’s Clarissa Ward and Brent Swails contributed to this report.
