In a disturbing turn of events, the World Food Programme (WFP) has announced a suspension of its operations in the Gaza Strip following an attack on one of its vehicles near an Israeli checkpoint. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, saw the WFP vehicle being hit by gunfire just meters from the Wadi Gaza Bridge checkpoint. While no employees were physically injured in the attack, the WFP has decided to halt its movements in the area until further notice.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric has placed the blame squarely on Israel, stating that the clearly marked humanitarian vehicle was subjected to 10 rounds of gunfire, with bullets targeting the front windows and driver’s side. The WFP team was returning from a mission to Karem Abu Salem with two armoured vehicles after escorting a convoy of trucks carrying humanitarian aid.
WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain has condemned the attack as unacceptable and called for improved safety measures for aid workers in Gaza. The WFP is urging Israeli authorities and all parties involved in the conflict to ensure the security of humanitarian workers. This incident highlights the failings of the current coordination system in place, with the WFP emphasizing the need for stronger measures to protect aid workers on the ground.
While the WFP team has faced security incidents in the past, this is the first time one of its vehicles has been directly targeted near a checkpoint, despite having the necessary clearances. The WFP is urging for a swift resolution to prevent such incidents from occurring again in the future.
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