The World Food Programme (WFP), one of the Agency of United Nations has accused Israeli forces of shooting at its convoy near the Wadi Gaza checkpoint on January 5, 2024.
In a statement released by the Agency on Monday, where it condemned what it called ‘horrifying’ incident, saying the forces put the lives of its staff at tremendous risk and leaving the vehicles immobilized.
WFP explained that the convoy, consisting of three vehicles carrying eight staff members, which came under hostile fire despite having received all of the necessary clearances from Israeli authorities. 
The Agency added, “At least 16 bullets struck the vehicles”. Thankfully, no staff members were injured in this terrifying encounter”.
It noted that this ‘unacceptable’ event is just the latest example of the complex dangerous working environment that WFP and other agencies are operating.
“Security conditions in Gaza must urgently improve for lifesaving humanitarian assistance to continue”. While urged parties to respect the international humanitarian law, protect civilian lives, and allow safe passage for humanitarian aid.
WFP Chief Executive, Cindy McCain, responding to this on X said it’s absolutely unacceptable: Humanitarians are notatarget. “We must’ve safe, secure access to continue delivering life-saving aid.
According to her, “Absolutely unacceptable: A @WFP convoy, clearly marked & carrying 8 team members, was shot at by Israeli forces near Wadi Gaza despite prior clearances. Humanitarians are #NotATarget! We must have safe, secure access to continue delivering life-saving aid”.
The development comes amid reports that a missile struck a flour distribution warehouse in central Gaza run by a UN aid partner at the weekend, leaving three humanitarian workers seriously injured.
UN agency teams in the vicinity of the storage depot described hearing people screaming after the strike. They reported looting and gunfire after Sunday’s blast at the MA’AN Development Center facility.
It has been 15 months since war erupted in Gaza, prompted by Hamas-led terror attacks on Israel that left some 1,200 dead in October 2023 and more than 250 people taken hostage.
Reported ceasefire talks between Palestinian officials and Israel have yet to result in an agreement to halt the violence or release those captured.
To date, Israeli bombardment from the air, land and sea continues to be reported across the Gaza Strip, where a harsh winter has set in.
Eight babies are reported to have died from hypothermia and over 45,300 Palestinians have been killed and over 107,700 injured; one in five of that number has sustained life-changing injuries since 7 October 2023, according to the authorities.
