Two civilian contractors supplying water to UNICEF were shot dead by Israeli forces in northern Gaza, the United Nations children’s agency said on Saturday, expressing anger over the deaths the previous day.
“UNICEF is outraged by the killing of two truck drivers commissioned by UNICEF to deliver clean water to families in the Gaza Strip,” UNICEF said in a statement.
The Israeli military told AFP in an interview that troops saw “two armed terrorists” approaching in the “yellow line” area marking the border of Israeli-controlled areas, so they “opened fire”.
The military said the incident was “under review.”
UNICEF said the incident occurred at the Mansoura water filling point in northern Gaza, which is “the only operating truck filling point for the Mekorot water line serving Gaza City.”
“The incident occurred during a routine water hauling operation without a change in actions or procedures, injuring two other people,” the statement said, adding that the site was used “multiple times a day” by UNICEF and its humanitarian partners.
All activities at the gas station have been suspended following the incident, and Israeli authorities have been urged to “immediately investigate” the incident and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
“Humanitarian workers, essential service providers and civilian infrastructure, including critical water supplies, must not be targeted.
The protection of civilians and those providing life-saving assistance is an obligation under international humanitarian law,” UNICEF said.
Earlier on Saturday, the health ministry in Gaza, which is under Hamas jurisdiction, reported a total death toll of 72,549 since the war began on October 7, 2023 following Hamas attacks on Israel.
This figure includes 773 Palestinians killed since the ceasefire in Gaza came into effect on October 10.
The Israeli military said five of its soldiers were also killed in Gaza during the same period.
On Saturday, the Israeli army said its troops opened fire in two incidents in the northern and southern Gaza Strip, eliminating “two infiltrators who crossed the yellow line and approached to pose a direct threat to the troops.”
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