Iran Press/West Asia: In a statement released Wednesday, the WFP announced that a team returning from an aid delivery mission on Tuesday evening came under direct fire just meters away from the Israeli-controlled checkpoint at the Wadi Gaza Bridge. The vehicle, clearly marked with the WFP’s emblem, was hit by at least ten bullets. Miraculously, none of the staff members inside were injured.
“This incident is a grave violation of the safety protocols established for humanitarian workers,” said Cindy McCain, the head of the WFP. “Though this is not the first security breach in this conflict, it marks the first time a WFP vehicle has been directly targeted near a checkpoint, even after securing the necessary clearances. This is completely unacceptable.”
McCain further expressed her outrage on X, stating, “Humanitarians are not a target.” She urged the Israeli authorities and all parties involved in the ongoing conflict to take immediate measures to ensure the safety of aid workers operating in Gaza.
The United Nations Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, also condemned the attack during a press briefing on Wednesday. He emphasized that the WFP logo is “probably one of the most recognizable in the world” in conflict zones, underscoring the blatant disregard for humanitarian symbols.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, humanitarian efforts are facing severe challenges. The WFP reports that ongoing military operations and continuous evacuation orders are severely disrupting food relief operations. The organization has recently lost access to its last operational warehouse in central Gaza, and five community kitchens managed by the WFP have been forced to evacuate.
With the suspension of staff movements, the already dire situation in Gaza is expected to worsen, as the delivery of essential food aid becomes increasingly difficult.
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