Palestinian aid driver shot dead in Gaza; truckers allege 'field execution' by Israeli forces

A Palestinian truck driver transporting humanitarian aid into Gaza was shot dead by Israeli forces during a convoy operation on Wednesday, prompting allegations of a "field execution" from witnesses and the local transporters' association, which is now considering suspending aid deliveries in protest.

According to a report by The Guardian, the victim, Ahmad Esleem, was delivering food assistance for the humanitarian organisation World Central Kitchen (WCK) when he was fatally shot near the Philadelphi corridor in southern Gaza. Witnesses claimed he was standing with his hands raised when an Israeli soldier opened fire.

Fellow driver Diaa Mansour said the convoy had stopped after one of the trucks developed a mechanical fault shortly after crossing into Gaza.

"After the truck broke down, we waited for authorisation to get out and inspect it, because every movement we make has to be coordinated in advance," he said.

"While we were waiting, an Israeli military vehicle arrived. The soldiers ordered Ahmad and me to get out of our trucks, and then they ordered another driver, Alaa Shaat, to get out as well. The driver at the front of the convoy, Fares Muheisen, remained inside his truck and didn't get out.

"They made us stand by the side of the road. They ordered me to take off my clothes and forced me to sit in the sun. Then they brought Ahmad out of his truck. One of the soldiers began talking to Ahmad while he stood with his hands raised. Ahmad did not speak Hebrew, and it seemed the soldiers did not understand his Arabic. Suddenly, they shot him. He was hit in the head and died at the scene. It appeared they were trying to find out why we had stopped, but they did not understand the situation and opened fire immediately, without any discussion or attempt to communicate."

Jihad Esleem, deputy head of the Association of Transport Companies in Gaza, said the convoy had been fully coordinated through the UN World Food Programme and WCK.

"An Israeli officer and several soldiers approached the drivers, asked why they were there, then ordered all of them out of their trucks. They assaulted the drivers, beat them, and forced them to strip," he alleged.

"The moment Ahmad raised his hands in surrender, one of the soldiers drew his M16 rifle and shot him directly in the head. It was a field execution and a deliberate killing of a civilian driver who had complied with all instructions. He was wearing his orange safety vest and carried all the required permits, security clearances, and coordination that had been approved by the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]."

Esleem, 30, was from Deir al-Balah and leaves behind his wife and two young children, including a one-month-old baby. A photograph taken after his body arrived at the hospital showed severe head injuries.

Eyad Esleem, owner of the transport company employing the driver, said the incident had deeply shaken aid workers operating in the territory.

"Drivers leave their homes at 3am, leaving behind their wives and children, and one of them may return to his family as a lifeless body. Ahmed left behind a one-month-old baby and a young daughter. Since the incident happened, five drivers from my company have told me that they will not return to work at the crossing under any circumstances. They have resigned. Those who remain are not continuing because they want to, but because they are forced to provide for their families."

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that troops had opened fire during the incident but disputed witness accounts.

"On Wednesday, IDF troops identified three aid truck drivers who had stopped along the Philadelphi corridor and exited their trucks contrary to established procedures," an IDF spokesperson said.

According to the military, the drivers were detained for questioning, while another driver allegedly ran towards troops from a nearby vehicle.

"As a result of the fire, the driver was injured. The troops provided him with initial medical treatment at the scene. He was later transferred, in coordination with the Red Cross, for further medical treatment," the spokesperson said, adding that the incident remains under investigation.

The shooting comes amid ongoing concerns over the safety of aid operations in Gaza. Humanitarian agencies rely heavily on private truck drivers to move food, water, and medical supplies across the territory.

The Association of Transport Companies is expected to hold an emergency meeting to consider suspending operations through the Kerem Shalom crossing.

"Drivers are subjected to daily violations, including beatings, abuse, humiliation, and being forced to stand for long hours under the sun," Jihad Esleem said.

"Even more disturbing, the soldier who shot Ahmad talked to the three surviving drivers afterward and threatened them, saying they would meet the same fate as Ahmad. This clearly indicates that the attack was deliberate."

He added, "It is important that everyone understand that the Palestinian truck driver is the vital link and the first point of contact between the Israeli side and Gaza. They should not be prevented from carrying out this role."