The UN agency said in its statement on Monday that the incident took place on January 5 when the vehicles were targeted after being clearly identified.
“At least 16 shots were fired at this convoy of three vehicles near the Wadi Gaza checkpoint.” There are no reports of any UN staff being injured in the incident.
According to WFP, the convoy was sent only after obtaining all necessary permissions from the Israeli administration. The incident is the latest example of “how complex and dangerous” the environment his teams have to work in.
The executive director of the United Nations agency, Cindy McCain, called the incident completely unacceptable in her message on social media. He expressed anger that the Israeli military opened fire on the convoy near Wadi Gaza despite prior permission.
“Humanitarians will never be targeted again. Safe passage must be provided so we can continue to provide life-saving support.”
Meanwhile, a flour distribution center run by a UN partner agency in central Gaza was hit by a missile attack last weekend, seriously injuring three humanitarian aid workers.
On October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks by Hamas and other armed groups in Israel killed 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages.
It has been 15 months since the start of Israel’s military operation in the Gaza Strip, killing more than 45,000 Palestinians and injuring more than 100,000.
Talks between Israeli and Palestinian officials for a cease-fire and agreement on the release of hostages are currently fruitless.
Israel has targeted the Gaza Strip by air, land and sea. The fighting over the past few months has created a severe humanitarian crisis and there is a shortage of aid supplies, shelters and essential services.
Eight children are reported to have died due to hypothermia during the winter season. One in five people injured in violent collisions have a life-changing physical condition.