UN Urges Ceasefire in Gaza After Dangerous Israeli Airstrikes on Refugee Camp

An Israeli airstrike destroyed the top floor of a Gaza guest house where World Food Program staff were staying, making aid efforts perilous. The attack on August 31 happened shortly after the WFP halted aid due to safety concerns. The situation underscores the complex challenges faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones.

An Israeli airstrike last month demolished the top floor of a guest house in Gaza where World Food Program international staff were staying, according to the UN agency's director on Thursday, who called the situation "impossibly dangerous" for aid workers feeding the Palestinian population.

The previously undisclosed incident took place on Aug 31 in the Nuseirat refugee camp, days after the WFP stopped aid deliveries to northern Gaza and halted staff movements when its team came under fire near an Israel checkpoint.

''It was always dangerous before. It's become impossibly dangerous now,'' said WFP director Cindy McCain.

The World Food Programme is in communication with the Israeli Defence Force about the strike on the house, where 11 UN employees, including 10 WFP staff, were residing. Although none were injured, they have since been evacuated to Jordan, where McCain met with them earlier this week.

The Israeli army has not yet responded to requests for comment.

McCain conveyed a clear message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "Cease-fire, please. Cease fire! Stop! We need to feed these people," she declared. "It's not just food...It's water and sanitation also." While she and her staff remain dedicated to their mission in Gaza, McCain acknowledged, "We're right on the edge as to whether we even stay in there. I want to stay in there. I'm not suggesting we're going to pull out. But I have to consider what I'm asking my people to do." She stressed the challenges of operating in a supposed de-conflicted zone, meant to be safe for humanitarian workers.

"Israeli forces are hitting places we were told were safe, de-conflicted zones where refugees were secure. And it's not the case. It's not," she said.

(With inputs from agencies.)