ROME – The World Food Programme (WFP) has announced a temporary halt to the movement of its employees in Gaza following a security incident on August 27, where a WFP team came under fire near an Israeli checkpoint at the Wadi Gaza bridge.
The team was returning from a mission to transport humanitarian cargo to Gaza’s central area when their clearly marked vehicles were directly targeted by gunfire as they approached an Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) checkpoint. The vehicle sustained multiple bullet impacts but, fortunately, none of the employees were physically harmed.
This marks a concerning escalation, as it is the first incident where a WFP vehicle has been shot at near a checkpoint despite securing the necessary clearances. This situation underscores the diminishing humanitarian space in the Gaza Strip, where escalating violence severely hampers the delivery of essential aid. The critical need for assistance continues to rise as access restrictions and security risks lead to decreased food supplies for vulnerable populations.
WFP executive director Cindy McCain condemned the incident, stating, “This is totally unacceptable and the latest in a series of security incidents that have endangered the lives of our team in Gaza. The current deconfliction system is failing, and immediate action is needed to ensure the safety of aid workers.”
Humanitarian workers are facing increasingly dangerous conditions, with frequent evacuation orders disrupting both families and essential food relief operations. Recent events have resulted in the loss of access to the last operational warehouse in Gaza’s middle area, further complicating relief efforts. This week’s evacuation orders also affected the main WFP operating hub in Deir Al Balah, forcing the team to relocate for the third time since the onset of the conflict.
ECNETNews urges all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law, protect humanitarian workers, and facilitate the delivery of vital aid to those in need.
