Gaza war: US sanctions Israeli group

The United States (US) has imposed sanctions on a “violent extremist” Israeli group Tzav 9 for blocking humanitarian aid convoys to Gaza.

The blocking of aid has increased the risk of famine in the war-hit region.

The Tzav 9 was sectioned on Friday by President Joe Biden’s administration for preventing any assistance from entering Gaza.

They are also accused of looting and setting fire to aid trucks.

“The provision of humanitarian assistance is vital to preventing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza from worsening and to mitigating the risk of famine,” the Department of State said in a statement.

“The government of Israel has a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian convoys transiting Israel and the West Bank en route to Gaza. We will not tolerate acts of sabotage and violence targeting this essential humanitarian assistance.”

The sections were announced a day after Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir pushed to prevent law enforcement from protecting aid convoys to Gaza.