Two civilian contractors working for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) were fatally shot by Israeli forces in northern Gaza, UNICEF confirmed Saturday, condemning the incident and calling for an immediate investigation. The contractors were operating water trucks supplying clean water to families in the Gaza Strip when the shooting occurred.

The incident took place on Friday at the Mansoura water filling point, the sole active truck filling station for the Mekorot water supply line that serves Gaza City, according to UNICEF. The agency said the contractors were engaged in routine water trucking operations at the time, with no deviations in their movement or procedures. Two additional individuals were reported injured in the attack.

The Israeli military, contacted for comment, stated that troops observed “two armed terrorists” near the Yellow Line, which marks the boundary of the area under Israeli control, and opened fire in response. The army indicated the event is currently under review.

In a statement, UNICEF expressed outrage over the loss of life, emphasizing that the contractors were performing a critical, humanitarian function. The agency called on Israeli authorities to promptly investigate the shooting and hold those responsible accountable. It further stressed that civilian infrastructure and personnel involved in providing essential services, including water supply, must be protected under international humanitarian law.

Following the incident, all water trucking activities at the Mansoura point were suspended, disrupting a vital water service for Gaza residents amid ongoing conflict.

The shooting comes amid continued violence in Gaza since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack on Israel. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which operates under Hamas authority, the death toll in Gaza has reached 72,549, including 773 fatalities recorded since a ceasefire took effect on October 10, 2025. The Israeli military has reported the deaths of five soldiers during the same period.

The contrasting accounts from UNICEF and the Israeli military underscore the complexities of operating humanitarian efforts in the volatile Gaza environment, with repeated calls from international organizations to ensure the safety of civilians and aid workers in conflict zones.