An Israeli military “firing component” unintentionally struck a United Nations fuel truck in Gaza, prompting the UN agency to demand a full investigation into the incident.
The event, which occurred on Thursday, was confirmed by Israel’s military on Friday.
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), responsible for fuel distribution in the territory, reported that the empty vehicle was hit around 5 a.m. from the direction of the sea, sustaining damage but causing no injuries.
Jorge Moreira da Silva, UNOPS Executive Director, issued a strong statement, asserting that their teams “are taking extraordinary risks every day to keep humanitarian operations and life-sustaining services running.”
He added, “They should not have to do that under fire,” as he called for an investigation.
In response to inquiries, the Israeli military confirmed the incident occurred during “defensive naval activity,” stating a “firing component” had “deviated from its intended trajectory.”
While acknowledging “minor damage” to the truck, the military did not specify the type of munitions used or its intended target.
The military added that the “incident was reviewed, and lessons were learned accordingly,” without offering further details. UNOPS had previously coordinated the fuel truck’s movement to the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israeli authorities, underscoring the pre-approved nature of its journey.
