WFP Denounces Israeli Fire on Gaza Aid Convoy
(MENAFN) The World Food Program (WFP) sharply denounced the Israeli military on Sunday after a humanitarian aid convoy delivering food in northern Gaza came under attack. The UN agency described the incident as “completely unacceptable” and called for an immediate end to assaults on civilians seeking critical assistance.
According to a WFP statement, a convoy of 25 trucks carrying essential supplies had entered Gaza via the Zikim crossing when it was struck by gunfire, including rounds from Israeli tanks, snipers, and other sources, as a crowd gathered nearby.
“These people were simply trying to access food to feed themselves and their families on the brink of starvation,” the agency stated, mourning “the loss of countless lives” and noting that many more sustained life-threatening injuries.
The WFP also condemned Israel for failing to uphold prior commitments ensuring humanitarian convoys would not be targeted or caught in military action.
“There should never, ever, be armed groups near or on our aid convoys,” the statement emphasized. “Shootings near humanitarian missions, convoys and food distributions must stop immediately.”
The agency warned that unless the safety of aid workers and convoys can be guaranteed, it might be forced to halt food deliveries across Gaza altogether.
“WFP teams accompanying convoys should not have to risk their own lives in the effort to save others,” the statement added.
With Gaza facing an escalating hunger catastrophe, the WFP revealed that nearly one-third of the population is enduring prolonged periods without food. Malnutrition is soaring, especially among 90,000 women and children who urgently require medical treatment.
“We urgently call on the international community and all parties to advocate for, and facilitate, the delivery of life-saving food aid to starving populations inside Gaza -- safely, securely, wherever families are, and without obstruction,” the agency urged.
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