Two UNICEF Drivers Killed by Israeli Fire in Gaza

Two drivers contracted by UNICEF to deliver clean water in Gaza were killed by Israeli fire on Friday morning, highlighting ongoing risks to humanitarian operations despite a ceasefire in place since October. The incident occurred at the Mansoura water filling point in northern Gaza, a critical site supplying Gaza City, where two others were also injured during routine transport activities.

UNICEF described the attack as outrageous, noting that the drivers were transporting essential supplies to families, including children, in the densely populated area. The agency suspended operations at the site immediately afterward, citing security concerns, and urged Israeli authorities to investigate and ensure accountability. "Humanitarian workers, essential service providers, and civilian infrastructure, including critical water facilities, must never be targeted," the organization stated. The Mansoura point remains the only operational facility on the Mekorot water supply line, used daily by aid groups to reach hundreds of thousands of residents amid severe shortages.

The killings fit into a pattern of violence reported across Gaza over the past week. On Thursday, Palestinian civil...