New York, United States - August 28, 2024

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) opened fire at a clearly marked UN humanitarian vehicle in the Gaza Strip for 10 times on Tuesday, said UN chief's spokesman on Wednesday.

The attack has led to a decision of the World Food Programme (WFP), where the vehicle is affiliated to, to suspend its humanitarian work in the Gaza Strip for the time being.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, briefed the media on the details of the attack.

The WFP has confirmed that the vehicle came under attack belongs to its humanitarian convoy. The agency said the incident occurred a few meters from an Israeli checkpoint at the Wadi Gaza bridge as the team was returning from a mission to Kerem Shalom/Karam Abu Salem in two armored vehicles after escorting a convoy of trucks transporting humanitarian supplies into Gaza's central area.

It was the first time a WFP vehicle had been directly shot at near an Israeli checkpoint.

Cindy McCain, WFP Executive Director, said the attack is totally unacceptable and is the latest in a series of unnecessary security incidents that have endangered the lives of WFP staff in Gaza. The WFP called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers.

There has been no response from the Israeli side regarding this incident.

Shotlist:
New York, NY, USA - Aug 28, 2024:
FILE: U.N. Headquarters, New York City - Date Unknown
1. Headquarters of UN;
U.N. Headquarters, New York City - Aug 28, 2024
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for UN Secretary-General:
"Just yesterday (Tuesday) evening, a clearly marked UN humanitarian vehicle, part of a convoy that had been fully coordinated with the IDF, was struck 10 times by IDF gunfire, including with bullets targeting front windows. The two staff members in the vehicle were thankfully unharmed.";
3. Reporters;
Beijing, China - Aug 29, 2024
4. Various of screenshots of World Food Programme (WFP) reports;
FILE: Gaza Strip - Oct 21, 2023
5. Various of trucks loaded with humanitarian aid at Rafah border crossing; forklift transferring supplies;
6. U.N. vehicle;
FILE: Gaza Strip - April 21, 2024
7. Various of people lining up to get bread;
8. People getting bread in bakery;
9. Bags of flour with logo of WFP.

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