UNICEF condemns killing of water truck drivers in Gaza

INTERNATIONAL — 18 April 2026 (NPA) — The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed outrage over the killing of two drivers operating trucks contracted to deliver clean water to families in the Gaza Strip.

The organisation said the victims were killed by Israeli fire in an incident that occurred early Friday morning at the Mansoura water filling point in northern Gaza. It extended its condolences to the families of the deceased.

UNICEF noted that two other individuals were injured in the same incident, which took place during routine water trucking operations without any changes in movement or established procedures.

It further explained that the Mansoura water filling point is currently the only operational truck filling facility connected to the Mekorot water supply line serving Gaza City. The facility is used several times daily by UNICEF and its humanitarian partners to maintain critical water distribution for hundreds of thousands of residents, including children.

Following the incident, UNICEF said its contractors had been instructed to suspend on-site activities until security conditions improve.

The organisation called on Israeli authorities to immediately investigate the incident and ensure full accountability. It stressed that humanitarian workers, essential service providers, and civilian infrastructure — including vital water facilities — must not be targeted.

UNICEF also emphasised that protecting civilians and those delivering life-saving assistance is a legal obligation under international humanitarian law.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no immediate response from Israeli authorities about the circumstances surrounding the shooting and whether an investigation into the incident has commenced.