Statement by UNICEF on the killing of two water truck drivers in the Gaza Strip

NEW YORK, 17 April 2026 - "UNICEF is outraged by the killing of two drivers of trucks contracted by UNICEF to provide clean water to families in the Gaza Strip.

"The victims were killed by Israeli fire in an incident that took place early this morning at the Mansoura water filling point in northern Gaza. UNICEF extends our condolences to the families of the men killed.

"The incident, in which two other people were injured, occurred during routine, water trucking operations, with no changes in movement or procedures.

"The Mansoura water filling point is currently the only operational truck filling point for the Mekorot water supply line serving Gaza City. UNICEF and humanitarian partners use it multiple times a day to sustain critical water trucking operations for hundreds of thousands of people, including children. UNICEF contractors have been instructed to suspend onsite activities until security conditions in the area are restored.

"UNICEF calls on the Israeli authorities to immediately investigate this incident, and ensure full accountability. Humanitarian workers, essential service providers, and civilian infrastructure, including critical water facilities, must never be targeted.

"The protection of civilians and those delivering life-saving assistance is an obligation under international humanitarian law."

• Gaza

UNICEF is the world's leading humanitarian organization focused on children. We work in the most challenging areas to provide protection, healthcare and immunizations, education, safe water and sanitation and nutrition. As part of the United Nations, our unrivaled reach spans more than 190 countries and territories, ensuring we are on the ground to help the most disadvantaged children. While part of the UN system, UNICEF relies entirely on voluntary donations to finance our life-saving work. Please visit unicef.ca and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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