اردو 
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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has announced a temporary suspension of its operations in the Gaza Strip after one of its vehicles was shot at by Israeli forces. This decision comes in the wake of a serious security incident that occurred on August 27, 2024, when a WFP convoy was targeted near an Israeli military checkpoint.
Incident Details
The WFP reported that a team returning from an aid delivery mission was fired upon just meters from the Wadi Gaza Bridge checkpoint. The vehicle, which was clearly marked with the WFP logo, was struck by at least ten bullets, yet fortunately, no personnel were injured during the attack. This incident marks a significant escalation in the risks faced by humanitarian workers in the region, as it is the first time a WFP vehicle has been directly shot at near a checkpoint, despite having secured the necessary clearances from Israeli authorities prior to approaching the area.
Cindy McCain, the head of the WFP, condemned the attack, stating, “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.” She emphasized that humanitarian workers should not be considered targets and called for immediate action from Israeli authorities to ensure their safety.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has severely hampered humanitarian efforts, with aid workers facing increasing challenges in delivering essential assistance. The WFP has reported that continuous evacuation orders are displacing families and disrupting food relief operations. Recently, the agency lost access to its last operational warehouse in central Gaza, and five community kitchens it managed were forced to evacuate.
The situation has become dire, with over 280 humanitarian workers reported killed since the onset of the current conflict, primarily due to airstrikes. The majority of these casualties are Palestinians employed by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). In a particularly tragic incident in April, nine aid workers from the World Central Kitchen were killed in an Israeli airstrike while they were coordinating with Israeli authorities.
Escalating Violence and Its Impact
The violence in Gaza has resulted in a staggering loss of life, with reports indicating that more than 40,500 Palestinian civilians, including many women and children, have been killed since the conflict began. The extensive devastation across Gaza is compounded by a severe blockade that restricts access to food, clean water, and medical supplies.
The WFP has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating conditions in Gaza, stating that the suspension of operations could lead to further humanitarian crises. The agency has highlighted the urgent need for a stable communication network and improved security measures to facilitate the safe delivery of aid.
Conclusion
The suspension of WFP operations in Gaza underscores the escalating dangers faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the international community is urged to take action to protect aid workers and ensure that essential assistance reaches those in desperate need. The WFP remains committed to its mission but emphasizes that the safety of its personnel must be prioritized to effectively address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
