WFP suspends Gaza operations after vehicle hit by Israeli gunfire
UN vehicle struck by Israeli gunfire. (Photo via WFP/photo gallery)
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced the suspension of its operations in Gaza following a security incident on Tuesday, where one of its vehicles was struck by gunfire at an Israeli military checkpoint.
The WFP reported that despite having secured the necessary security clearances, the vehicle was hit at least 10 times as it approached the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) checkpoint at the Wadi Gaza Bridge after completing a mission in southern Gaza. No injuries were reported.
UN condemns incident as ‘totally unacceptable’
14th Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme Cindy McCain said on a social media post, “This is totally unacceptable and must change immediately. We have repeatedly asked for a functioning deconfliction system in Gaza, and yet the current arrangements have failed. Humanitarians are #NotATarget.”
First direct attack on WFP vehicle in Gaza conflict
This marks the first time a WFP vehicle has been directly targeted near a checkpoint, despite the ongoing conflict leading to numerous security incidents in the region. In May, a UN staff member from India was killed when their vehicle was struck by what the United Nations identified as tank fire in southern Gaza.
The WFP shared an image of the vehicle, a white, UN-branded truck, showing windows apparently damaged by bullets. The agency stated that the vehicle was only a “few metres” from the Israeli checkpoint when it was struck.
UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric expressed concern over the incident, stating: “A clearly marked UN humanitarian vehicle, part of a convoy that had been fully coordinated with the IDF, was struck 10 times by IDF gunfire, including with bullets targeting front windows.” He added, “We have no way to assess the mindset of those who are shooting at us.”
The Israeli military has not yet responded to requests for comment on the incident.
UN operations in Gaza halted amid rising security concerns
The incident occurs as the UN prepares to vaccinate an estimated 640,000 children in Gaza, where the World Health Organization recently reported the first case of type 2 poliovirus in 25 years, paralyzing a 10-month-old baby.
The current conflict began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas gunmen stormed Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and abducting approximately 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources. Since then, the Israeli military has conducted multiple military campaigns across the Palestinian territory, causing widespread destruction, mass displacement, and severe humanitarian crises, with Palestinian health authorities reporting more than 40,000 deaths.
The UN has repeatedly expressed frustration over challenges in delivering aid to Gaza amid the conflict, citing “total lawlessness” as a significant barrier.
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