UN Food Program Halts Gaza Movement After Vehicle Comes Under Fire

The United Nations World Food Programme has suspended its employee movements in Gaza after its vehicle was hit by bullets near an Israeli military checkpoint. Despite securing clearances, this is the first such direct attack on WFP. The situation underscores the challenges for humanitarian aid in the region.

The United Nations World Food Programme temporarily suspended movement of its employees across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, saying at least 10 bullets struck one of its clearly marked vehicles as it approached an Israeli military checkpoint. The WFP stated that a convoy of two armored vehicles received 'multiple clearances by Israeli authorities to approach' the Wadi Gaza bridge checkpoint on Tuesday evening. Although bullets hit one of the vehicles, no one was hurt.

'Though this is not the first security incident to occur during the war, it is the first time that a WFP vehicle has been directly shot at near a checkpoint, despite securing the necessary clearances,' WFP said. The vehicle was only 'a few meters' from the Israeli checkpoint when it was hit.

The Israeli military announced on Wednesday that the incident was under review, affirming its commitment to improving coordination and security with humanitarian organizations to ensure the effective delivery of aid in Gaza. Previous incidents have also affected aid and humanitarian organizations in the conflict, including an April air strike that killed seven World Central Kitchen staff members.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported on Wednesday that aid operations in Gaza are 'heavily restricted by hostilities, insecurity, and mass evacuation orders affecting aid transport routes and facilities.' The U.N. Security Council is set to meet Thursday to discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza, following a request from Britain and Switzerland. The U.N. has also highlighted the urgency of a vaccine campaign to curb a polio outbreak, with plans to vaccinate an estimated 640,000 children. A 10-month-old baby was recently paralyzed by type 2 poliovirus, the first such case in 25 years.

The latest escalation in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict began on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and about 250 hostages. Israel's continued assault has led to over 40,000 Palestinian deaths, widespread displacement, a hunger crisis, and genocide allegations, which Israel denies. The U.N. has consistently pointed out the obstacles to delivering and distributing aid in Gaza amid ongoing lawlessness.

(With inputs from agencies.)