Aid Driver Shot in Head by Israeli Forces in Gaza

The convoy, which survivors insist was fully coordinated with Israeli authorities, had come to a halt when an Israeli military vehicle approached. According to driver Diaa Mansour, soldiers forced the men out of their trucks and ordered them to strip. While Saleem stood with his hands in the air, a soldier opened fire without warning. Jihad Saleem, a representative for transport companies in the region, stated that the victim was wearing an orange safety vest and possessed all necessary security clearances. Survivors further alleged that the shooter threatened them following the incident, warning they would face the same fate as their colleague.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the shooting but offered a conflicting account. A military spokesperson claimed the drivers exited their vehicles against established protocols and that one man ran toward troops, prompting soldiers to initiate suspect apprehension procedures. The IDF stated that fire was opened only after troops perceived an immediate threat.

This death marks at least the 11th time a World Central Kitchen worker has been killed by Israeli forces since the conflict began. Humanitarian groups report that 593 aid workers have been killed in the territory as of late April 2026. The World Central Kitchen expressed devastation over the loss, stating that humanitarian deliveries should never be treated as targets.