IDF responds to allegations of firing on World Food Program workers

The IDF added that they make "significant" efforts to avoid harming aid workers, UN facilities and international organizations in the Gaza Strip. 

UN peacekeepers load boxes of food, clothing, water and blankets into a truck, donated by Greek Cypriots for distribution to earthquake victims in Turkey, at Ledra Palace inside the UN buffer zone in Nicosia, Cyprus, February 15, 2023.  (photo credit: YIANNIS KOURTOGLOU/REUTERS)
UN peacekeepers load boxes of food, clothing, water and blankets into a truck, donated by Greek Cypriots for distribution to earthquake victims in Turkey, at Ledra Palace inside the UN buffer zone in Nicosia, Cyprus, February 15, 2023.
(photo credit: YIANNIS KOURTOGLOU/REUTERS)

Following a Friday report regarding gunfire heard near teams of World Food Program workers along the Humanitarian Route from the Kerem Shalom Crossing, a Saturday IDF investigation noted that while Israeli forces acted to neutralize two gunmen who posed a threat to troops in the area, no danger was posed to the aid workers.

The IDF emphasized that the gunmen were not close to the UN team during the strike.

The military added that the UN workers were not the target of the operation and were not harmed as a result of the military's strike on the terrorist operatives.

Reports of a shooting incident in Al Mawasi

Separately, regarding reports of a shooting incident in the Al Mawasi area on Friday, the IDF stated that it is examining the incident, and according to an initial inquiry, there was no direct attack carried out by the IDF against a Red Cross facility.

According to Palestinian reports, dozens of Gazans were killed in the area. 

A Hamas terrorist interacts with members of the International Committee of the Red Cross. (credit: Hamas Military Wing/Handout via REUTERS)
A Hamas terrorist interacts with members of the International Committee of the Red Cross. (credit: Hamas Military Wing/Handout via REUTERS)

The investigation's findings will be shared with Israel's partners and international officials, the military stated.

The IDF added that it makes "significant" efforts to avoid harming aid workers, UN facilities, and international organizations in the Gaza Strip.