The World Food Programme (WFP) has temporarily halted staff movements in Gaza after one of its vehicles came under fire from Israeli forces at a checkpoint. The incident occurred on Wednesday as the UN vehicle was returning from a humanitarian mission and was struck by at least 10 bullets near the Wadi Gaza bridge. Despite being clearly marked and having prior clearance from Israeli authorities, the vehicle was fired upon at an Israeli checkpoint.
WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain condemned the attack, stating, “This is totally unacceptable and the latest in a series of unnecessary security incidents that have endangered the lives of WFP’s team in Gaza.” She criticised the failure of the current deconfliction system and called on Israeli authorities and all involved parties to ensure the safety of aid workers.
While no staff members were injured, the World Food Programme expressed concern about the shrinking humanitarian space in Gaza, where escalating violence is severely hindering the delivery of life-saving aid. This marks the first time that a WFP vehicle has been directly targeted near a checkpoint, despite following standard protocols and securing the necessary clearances.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric also commented on the incident, highlighting the dysfunction in coordination systems and condemning the “direct rhetoric” from Israeli officials against the UN, UNRWA, and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. “Words have consequences,” he warned.
The incident occurred amidst Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which intensified following a Hamas incursion last October. The conflict has resulted in over 40,500 Palestinian deaths, predominantly women and children, and has left nearly 94,000 others wounded, according to local health authorities. Large parts of Gaza lie in ruins due to a crippling blockade that restricts access to food, clean water, and medicine.
Israel has been accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the blockaded enclave, though the state denies these allegations.