UNICEF expressed its strong condemnation on Friday over the killing of two drivers of water trucks contracted by the agency to deliver clean water to families in the Gaza Strip. The incident, which took place at the Mansoura water filling point in northern Gaza, resulted in the death of the two drivers and left two others injured. The attack occurred during regular water trucking operations, with no deviations in movement or procedures.
The Mansoura site serves as the sole operational truck filling point for the Mekorot water supply line that serves Gaza City. It is a crucial location utilized multiple times a day by UNICEF and humanitarian partners to ensure the delivery of essential water to a significant portion of the population, particularly children.
In response to the tragic event, UNICEF has directed its contractors to halt onsite activities until security conditions improve. The agency has called upon Israeli authorities to promptly investigate the incident and ensure full accountability. Emphasizing that humanitarian workers and essential service providers, as well as civilian infrastructure such as critical water facilities, should never be targeted, UNICEF stressed the obligation under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and those delivering life-saving assistance.
The killing has sparked condemnation from the broader humanitarian community operating in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The Humanitarian Country Team, a forum led by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator that brings together UN agencies and humanitarian partners, denounced the killing as an attack on individuals delivering vital water supplies to support displaced and vulnerable communities. The group highlighted that such attacks not only result in loss of life but also disrupt essential services crucial for community survival. It urged all parties to take immediate measures to ensure the safety of civilians and humanitarian operations.
