“This is completely unacceptable and is the latest in a series of unnecessary security incidents that have put the lives of World Food Programmeteam in Gaza,” speak UN agency Executive Director Cindy McCain called on the Israeli authorities and all parties to the conflict to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of all aid workers in Gaza.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the attack, WFP said.
“As last night’s events show, The current conflict resolution system is failing and this cannot continue.Mrs. McCain added.
‘Ineffective’ coordination
A “clearly marked UN humanitarian vehicle – part of a fully coordinated convoy with [Israeli Defense Forces] IDF – was was hit by 10 IDF bullets, including one that hit the front window.“UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric speaks to reporters at a press briefing at UN Headquarters on Wednesday.
“This is the latest incident to highlight that existing coordination systems are not working effectively,” he said, adding that “We will continue to work with the IDF to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.“ .
The UN spokesperson reiterated that parties must respect international humanitarian law at all times, saying civilians must be protected and their basic needs, including food, water, shelter and health, must be met regardless of where they are in Gaza.
“This applies to people under evacuation orders regardless of whether they move or not, and those who do move must have sufficient time and a safe route and location to do so,” he said.
Attacked after rescue mission
The team was returning from a mission on Tuesday night in Kerem Shalom in two WFP armoured vehicles after escorting a convoy of trucks carrying humanitarian aid to central Gaza.
“Despite being clearly marked and having received multiple permits from the Israeli authorities to access, the vehicle was still was hit directly by gunfire while moving toward an IDF checkpoint.WFP said.
Just metres from the checkpoint at the Wadi Gaza Bridge, WFP reported that the vehicle was hit by at least 10 bullets – five on the driver’s side, two on the passenger side and three in other parts of the vehicle.
A stern reminder
Although this is not the first security incident to occur during the 10-month war, the agency said first time a WFP vehicle has come under direct fire near a checkpointdespite ensuring that all necessary conditions are met according to standard protocols.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the rapidly shrinking humanitarian space in the Gaza Strip, where escalating violence is reducing our ability to deliver life-saving aid,” WFP said.
The UN food agency said an already dire situation had been exacerbated by limited access and increased risks, leading to reduced food supplies for those in dire need.
Kerem Shalom border crossing. (file)
Increasingly criticized
According to WFP, humanitarian organizations are increasingly under fire and facing numerous challenges in delivering life-saving aid in Gaza.
The agency said frequent and ongoing evacuation orders continue to displace both families and food relief efforts are needed to support them.
Last week, WFP lost access to its third and last operational warehouse in central Gaza, while five WFP-run community kitchens were evacuated.
“This week, on Sunday 25 August, the evacuation order impacted WFP’s main operations centre in Deir Al-Balah, forced our team to relocate for the third time since the war began.“, the agency said, calling on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, ensure the protection of humanitarian workers and uphold their commitment to facilitating the delivery of vital and life-saving aid.
