Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency:  Newsflash

Israeli forces have reportedly confiscated medical aid and food being sent to Palestinian communities under COVID-19 lockdown in East Jerusalem.

On Tuesday evening, a convoy of trucks carrying aid for needy Palestinian families left without incomes during the COVID-19 lockdown was stopped by Israeli soldiers, according to local media.

Since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, East Jerusalem has been, along with the rest of the West Bank, occupied by Israel.

The aid was being delivered to families in Tsur Baher, a Palestinian neighbourhood on the south-eastern outskirts of East Jerusalem.

After raiding the cargo, soldiers then distributed the food among themselves and a group of policemen, according to one volunteer.

Local media said that four volunteers were beaten and arrested by Israeli soldiers.

Palestinians have repeatedly complained of Israeli neglect during the COVID-19 pandemic and local groups have been forced to launch a series of initiatives to help those in need during the lockdown, according to reports.

It is not the first time the Israeli soldiers have been accused of stealing aid meant for Palestinians.

Last week, the Israeli authorities entered the village of Khirbet Ibziq with a military escort, bulldozer and two mobile cranes to tear down a community clinic and emergency housing, according to Israeli human rights NGO Btselem.

Over 600,000 Israelis reportedly live in settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

According to the latest figures by Johns Hopkins University, Israel has reported 6,211 cases of COVID-19 and 33 deaths.

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