ALBAWABA - In a statement later on Wednesday, the UN World Food Programme (WFP), announced suspending the movement of its staff across Gaza until further notice after the targeting of a vehicle that was clearly marked with the UN food organization logo, at the Wadi Gaza bridge.
The WFP stated that the time of the targeting occurred as the mission was returning from Karam Abu Salem with two WFP armored vehicles after escorting a convoy of trucks carrying humanitarian cargo routed to Gaza’s central area.
WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain condemned the attack saying "This is totally unacceptable and the latest in a series of unnecessary security incidents that have endangered the lives of WFP’s team in Gaza,".
"As last night’s events show, the current deconfliction system is failing and this cannot go on any longer. I call on the Israeli authorities and all parties to the conflict to act immediately to ensure the safety and security of all aid workers in Gaza," McCain added.
Even though there have been previous security incidents throughout the Israeli aggression on Gaza, this is the first time a WFP truck has been fired at close to a checkpoint even after obtaining the required approvals following official procedure.
The incident serves as an alarming indication of how quickly and continuously the humanitarian space in the Gaza Strip is shrinking, making it more difficult for WFP to provide life-saving aid.
The report stressed that restrictions on aid access and increased threats compound the already dire situation by reducing the amount of food that reaches people who are most in need.
Al-Aqsa Flood operation against Israel
Hamas military group announced on Oct. 7 a military operation called "Al-Aqsa Flood" against Israel which is the biggest offensive in decades.
Palestinian fighters “infiltrated” Israel from the Gaza Strip and captured military bases and took hostages as photos and videos went viral online showing Hamas fighters on vehicles inside Israel and others paragliding into occupation territory.
In response, Israeli armed forces announced targeting Hamas positions inside the Gaza Strip. Thousands were killed, and dozens of thousands of others were injured in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
