Gaza Herald _A United Nations fuel truck was struck by Israeli naval fire in Gaza early Thursday, in an incident that has raised serious concerns about the safety of humanitarian operations in the besieged enclave.
According to the UN Office for Project Services, which manages fuel distribution in Gaza, the empty truck was hit around 5 a.m. by a projectile coming from the sea, causing damage to the vehicle. Although no injuries were reported, the strike has renewed fears about the risks aid workers face while operating in the territory.
UN Demands Accountability
Jorge Moreira da Silva, the agency’s executive director, said humanitarian teams are already working under extremely dangerous conditions while trying to maintain essential services for Gaza’s population.
“Our teams take exceptional risks every day to keep humanitarian operations and vital services running,” he said in a statement, calling for a full investigation into the incident. “They should not have to operate under fire.”
The UN stressed that humanitarian workers should be protected and able to carry out their work safely, especially as Gaza faces a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Aid Movement Was Coordinated in Advance
The UN agency said the truck was on its way to the Kerem Shalom crossing when it was struck, adding that the vehicle’s movement had been coordinated beforehand with Israeli authorities.
Despite this coordination, the truck was still hit by Israeli fire, raising questions about the protection of humanitarian operations in Gaza.
Growing Risks for Aid Operations in Gaza
The incident highlights the increasingly dangerous environment in which humanitarian organizations are operating as they attempt to deliver fuel and essential supplies to Gaza’s collapsing infrastructure.
With hospitals, water systems, and other vital services dependent on fuel deliveries, any disruption to humanitarian operations could further worsen the already severe conditions faced by Palestinians in the territory.
