The World Food Programme (WFP) has suspended the movement of its employees in Gaza following an incident where one of its vehicles was attacked with gunfire near an Israeli checkpoint. According to a statement by the humanitarian agency, the armored vehicle, which was returning from a mission to escort humanitarian aid, was struck by gunfire even though it was clearly marked and had received multiple clearances from Israeli authorities.

The WFP's vehicle sustained damage to the driver's side window, evident from multiple bullet marks. The agency confirmed that at least 10 bullets had hit the vehicle. CNN has reached out to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for comment regarding the incident.

As the main food relief agency of the United Nations, the WFP plays a critical role in providing aid to the beleaguered Gaza Strip, where famine has been spreading for months. However, due to ongoing airstrikes and evacuation orders by Israeli forces, many of the WFP's food warehouses and community kitchens have been forced to close, exacerbating the dire situation in the territory.

The designated "humanitarian zone" in Gaza, as defined by the IDF, has also been steadily shrinking. According to a CNN analysis, this zone has been reduced by 38% over the past month alone, leaving just over a tenth of Gaza's total area as remaining space. Humanitarian workers typically coordinate their routes with Israeli forces to ensure their safety while carrying out their duties in the conflict-ridden region.

The recent attack on the WFP vehicle highlights the failure of the current deconfliction system, as stated by WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain. This incident follows a tragic event in April when aid workers from another hunger relief group, the World Central Kitchen, were killed in an Israeli attack despite coordinating their route with Israeli authorities.

The United Nations has formally protested to Israel over the incident, emphasizing the responsibility of member states to protect UN aid workers operating in dangerous areas. The UN Secretary General's spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, emphasized that humanitarian workers serve populations in some of the world's most perilous places and operate on behalf of the United Nations, relying on the support and protection of member states.

Pressure is mounting on both Hamas, the governing body in Gaza, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages. The deteriorating situation in Gaza, characterized by severe starvation, water shortages, mass displacement, and disease, has led to international concern. According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, Israel's military campaign has resulted in the death of at least 40,435 Palestinians and injury to another 93,534 individuals. Israeli authorities claim that the military action was initiated after Hamas attacked southern Israel, resulting in the loss of approximately 1,200 lives and the abduction of over 250 people.

As the situation in Gaza grows increasingly dire, the international community calls for swift action to address the crisis and ensure the safety and well-being of those living in the besieged enclave. The protection of humanitarian workers remains a priority as they strive to provide vital aid to the vulnerable populations affected by the ongoing conflict.