Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
UNICEF has expressed outrage over the killing of two contracted water truck drivers delivering clean water to families in the Gaza Strip. According to the agency, the drivers were killed by Israeli fire at the Mansoura water filling point in northern Gaza during routine water trucking operations. Two others were injured in the incident.
The Mansoura site is currently the only operational truck filling point for the Mekorot water supply line serving Gaza City. It is used multiple times daily by UNICEF and humanitarian partners to deliver water to large segments of the population, including children.
After the incident, UNICEF instructed contractors to suspend onsite activities until security conditions improve. The agency urged Israeli authorities to investigate the incident immediately and ensure accountability, emphasizing that humanitarian workers, essential service providers, and civilian infrastructure such as critical water facilities must not be targeted.
UNICEF stated that protecting civilians and those delivering life-saving assistance is an obligation under international humanitarian law. The Humanitarian Country Team also condemned the killings and noted that such attacks disrupt essential services vital for community survival. They called on all parties to take immediate measures to safeguard civilians and humanitarian efforts.