Report: PA Forces Escort Gaza Aid Convoy

By Yoni Weiss

According to reports, a convoy of approximately 15 aid trucks carrying flour entered Gaza City early Sunday, accompanied by masked gunmen believed to be members of the Palestinian Authority’s security forces.

A member of the convoy informed Saudi outlet Asharq News that the guard unit was established with the approval of various factions and national consensus. Its purpose is to protect the aid trucks from potential attacks or hijackings.

Israel is exploring alternative methods to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza without involving the IDF to minimize security risks.

There are concerns within Israel that Hamas is gaining influence in Gaza by assuming control over humanitarian aid shipments amidst Israeli efforts to dismantle the group.

Although some Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and other members of the government, oppose the idea of the relatively moderate PA assuming civilian administration of Gaza, top IDF and security establishment figures, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, view it as the most viable option.

One immediate objective for Israel is to disengage the IDF from aid distribution mechanisms. It is believed that Hamas aims to exploit interactions between IDF soldiers and Palestinian civilians to escalate violence and endanger civilians, as well as potentially hijack aid shipments.