Ahmad Esleem, a 30-year-old Palestinian driver transporting food aid for the World Central Kitchen (WCK), was shot and killed by an Israeli soldier on Wednesday along the Philadelphi corridor in Gaza. Witnesses and the Association of Transport Companies in Gaza describe the incident as a “field execution,” while the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) characterize the event as a response to a perceived threat after drivers allegedly violated procedures.
Circumstances of the Shooting
The incident occurred shortly after a four-truck convoy entered Gaza. According to surviving driver Diaa Mansour, the convoy stopped due to a mechanical breakdown. While waiting for authorized inspection, an Israeli military vehicle arrived. Soldiers ordered the drivers, including Esleem, to dismount and stand by the roadside. Mansour stated that soldiers forced the drivers to strip and sit in the sun. When Esleem—who was wearing a high-visibility orange safety vest—spoke with a soldier while his hands were raised, he was shot in the head. Jihad Esleem, deputy head of the Association of Transport Companies, confirmed the convoy was coordinated with the UN World Food Programme and the WCK.
Military Account and Official Review
The IDF provided a different sequence of events regarding the fatal encounter. A military spokesperson stated that troops identified three drivers who had stopped and exited their vehicles “contrary to established procedures.” The military claims that while they were detaining the drivers, another individual from a nearby truck ran toward the troops. The spokesperson said soldiers initiated “suspect apprehension protocol” and opened fire after perceiving an “immediate threat.” The military confirmed the driver was injured and received medical treatment at the scene before being transferred to the Red Cross.
The transport of humanitarian aid into Gaza remains a high-risk operation, with drivers frequently subject to security screenings. Jihad Esleem noted that drivers are often pressured by traders and soldiers to smuggle contraband, such as cigarettes hidden in hollowed-out pineapples, despite the drivers having no role in such activities.
Operational Risks and Future Protests
The killing of Esleem has prompted an immediate response from local transport companies. Eyad Esleem, owner of the Iyad Qamri Trading and Public Transport Company, reported that five drivers have resigned since the incident. The Association of Transport Companies has scheduled an emergency board meeting for Friday to discuss a potential suspension of operations at the Kerem Shalom crossing. The situation is compounded by previous reports of driver fatalities; in April 2024, seven WCK employees were killed in an Israeli airstrike, and in May, two other drivers were allegedly shot after being detained by soldiers.
The recurring tension between humanitarian aid providers and military forces highlights a breakdown in the coordination protocols intended to protect civilian supply lines. As the IDF maintains control over roughly 60% of Gaza, the reliance on private contractors to deliver essential goods creates a precarious environment where misunderstandings or lapses in communication can lead to lethal outcomes. The potential suspension of trucking services at Kerem Shalom threatens to further restrict the flow of food and aid to civilians who depend on these established, yet fragile, supply chains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of the aid convoy involved in the incident?
The convoy was a four-truck shipment coordinated with the UN World Food Programme and the WCK. It had recently entered Gaza through the only functioning crossing point for aid when a breakdown forced the trucks to stop.
How does the IDF explain the shooting of the driver?
The IDF states that soldiers identified drivers who had exited their vehicles against established procedures. The military alleges a driver ran toward troops, leading them to initiate suspect apprehension protocol and open fire upon perceiving an immediate threat.
Are there other reports of drivers being killed in similar circumstances?
Yes. In May, two drivers were allegedly shot after being detained and released by soldiers. Additionally, in April, two drivers working for Unicef were shot while filling water trucks, and seven WCK employees were killed in an Israeli airstrike.
How will the potential suspension of humanitarian transport impact the aid supply chain in Gaza?
