UNICEF Condemns Killing of Aid Workers Delivering Water in Gaza

The United Nations children's agency UNICEF has expressed outrage following the fatal shooting of two contracted truck drivers who were delivering clean water to families in the Gaza Strip. The deadly incident occurred on Friday morning at the Mansoura water filling point in northern Gaza — a critical supply source for Gaza City residents — when Israeli fire struck the humanitarian convoy. Two additional workers sustained injuries in the attack.

In response, UNICEF immediately suspended all operations at the site and issued an urgent call for Israeli authorities to launch a full investigation. The agency emphasized that under international humanitarian law, civilian aid workers, non-combatants, and essential water infrastructure must be protected at all times, regardless of ongoing military operations. Israel's embassy in Washington had not issued a response at the time of reporting.

The attack comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that was established in October, effectively halting two years of full-scale military conflict. Despite the truce, Israeli forces continue to maintain control over a largely depopulated buffer zone covering more than half of the Gaza Strip, while Hamas retains authority over the remaining narrow coastal territory. The ceasefire has been repeatedly strained, with both sides accusing each other of violations.

Since the ceasefire took effect, local medical sources report that more than 750 Palestinians have been killed, while Palestinian militants have claimed the lives of four Israeli soldiers. The continued violence raises serious concerns about the safety of humanitarian missions operating in the region and the broader protection of civilians caught in the conflict.

International organizations continue to urge all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure the unimpeded delivery of life-saving aid to Gaza's civilian population.