UN World Food Programme condemns Israeli attack on aid convoy

Israeli airstrikes continued across Gaza, while the UN World Food Programme (WFP) reported that one of its aid convoys in the war-shattered enclave was targeted by Israeli fire on Sunday. 

The WFP issued a statement on Monday condemning the attack insisting that its vehicles had been “clearly marked”. 

“At least 16 bullets” struck the convoy of three vehicles carrying eight staff members which came under fire near Wadi Gaza checkpoint. “Thankfully, no staff members were injured in this terrifying encounter,” the agency added.

All necessary clearances had been obtained from the Israeli authorities and WFP said that it was “just the latest example of the complex and dangerous working environment” confronting its teams. 

Warehouse strike

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 also 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 more than 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.