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- August 29, 2024
- 12:09 pm
- Middle East
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is temporarily suspending the movement of its staff in the Gaza Strip “until further notice,” it said on August 28, 2024.
The decision was explained by the shelling of a WFP convoy on the evening of August 27, a few meters from the Israeli checkpoint on the bridge in Wadi Gaza.
The WFP team was reportedly returning from a mission to Kereh Shalom (Karam Abu Salem) in two armoured vehicles after escorting a convoy of trucks carrying humanitarian aid heading to central Gaza.
“Despite clear signs and receiving multiple permissions from Israeli officials to approach, the vehicle came under direct fire as it was moving toward an IDF checkpoint. It was hit by at least ten bullets: five in the driver, two in the passenger, and three in other parts of the vehicle. None of the personnel on board were injured,” the statement said.
Read also: Aid group suspends food deliveries to Gaza after Israeli airstrike
The UN agency notes that while this is not the first security incident during the war, it is the first time a vehicle has been shot at right next to a checkpoint, despite the necessary permits. The organization called the attack a reminder of the “rapid and continuous narrowing of humanitarian space in the Gaza Strip.” The UN does not directly say who carried out the attack.
“As last night's events demonstrate, the current conflict-reduction system is failing and cannot continue as it is. I call on the Israeli government and all parties to the conflict to act immediately to ensure the safety and security of all humanitarian workers in Gaza,” said WFP Director Cindy McCain.
In April 2024, the NGO World Central Kitchen temporarily suspended its activities in the Gaza Strip after seven of its volunteers were killed in an IDF strike.
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