GAZA — The World Food Programme (WFP) has condemned Israeli forces for opening fire on starved civilians gathered near a WFP humanitarian convoy in northern Gaza. The attack occurred on July 20 and left many civilians dead or severely wounded.
According to WFP, the 25-truck convoy had entered Gaza through the Zikim crossing point, carrying vital food aid for desperate communities trapped in the north. The convoy passed all required Israeli military checkpoints and had received assurances of a safe passage.
But shortly after crossing, the trucks encountered large crowds of Palestinians waiting for food. As the convoy approached, Israeli tanks and snipers opened fire on the civilians.
In a strong statement, WFP said the attack violated international humanitarian law. “These people were simply trying to feed themselves and their families,” the agency said. “Shootings near aid missions and food distributions must stop immediately.”
The organization said it holds Israel responsible, especially after previous promises that no armed forces would be present along the aid route. “This violent incident occurred despite Israeli assurances that operational conditions would improve,” WFP added.
The WFP stressed that its teams operate with neutrality and independence. “We cannot continue our life-saving work if our staff and the people we serve are under fire,” the statement said.
The agency said that without safe conditions, it would not be able to deliver aid across Gaza. It warned that the risk to aid workers is growing and that urgent international action is needed.
Gaza’s hunger emergency is deepening. One in three people is not eating for days. A one-kilogram bag of flour now costs more than $100. Malnutrition is rising fast, especially among children and pregnant women. Over 90,000 women and children need urgent treatment. 19 civilians, mostly children, have died of hunger in the past 24 hours.
WFP says a large-scale aid operation is the only way to prevent mass starvation. “Only a massive scale-up in food distributions can stabilize this spiraling situation,” the agency warned.
The WFP renewed its call for a ceasefire. It urged all parties to allow safe, regular, and unhindered delivery of food aid to all parts of Gaza.
“We are ready. We have food nearby, teams on the ground, and the experience to respond. But we need access,” the WFP said.
The agency called on the international community to act now to ensure that aid can reach Gaza’s starved population safely, securely, and without obstruction.
C. QNN
