Palestinian Aid Driver Killed in Gaza Raises Questions Over IDF Conduct

On Wednesday, July 9 2026, a Palestinian driver identified as Ahmad Esleem (30, from Deir al-Balah) was shot in the head while dismounting from a four-truck convoy delivering World Central Kitchen (WCK) food aid. The convoy had stopped on the Philadelphi Corridor after a breakdown. According to three eyewitnesses, Israeli soldiers ordered the drivers to exit their trucks, forced one driver to strip and sit in the sun, then shot Esleem at close range while his hands were raised.

The GuardianCommon DreamsGaza Aid Driver Shot Dead by IDF With Hands RaisedDriver Transporting WCK Aid in Gaza Killed by IDF

The convoy entered Gaza through Kerem Shalom, the sole crossing designated for humanitarian shipments under the October 2025 ceasefire. Aid deliveries have risen since the ceasefire, but the Israeli army continues to occupy more than 60 % of the territory. Similar incidents have been reported: in May 2024 two Palestinian drivers were detained and later shot after release, and in April 2024 Israeli forces killed two UNICEF drivers filling water trucks. In April 2024 an airstrike on a WCK-marked convoy killed seven workers.

Gaza Aid Driver Shot Dead by IDF With Hands RaisedCommon DreamsThe GuardianDriver Transporting WCK Aid in Gaza Killed by IDF

• The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recorded 593 aid-worker deaths in Gaza as of 29 April 2026, including eight since the October 2025 ceasefire.

Gaza Aid Driver Shot Dead by IDF With Hands Raised

• The Association of Transport Companies reports that the Kerem Shalom crossing has delivered less than 38 % of the agreed aid quota during the first six months of the ceasefire.

Gaza Aid Driver Shot Dead by IDF With Hands Raised

• An IDF military spokesperson said the convoy “exited their trucks contrary to established procedures” and that “one of the drivers ran toward the troops, prompting the suspect apprehension protocol and, after perceiving an immediate threat, opened fire.” The spokesperson added that the injured driver received medical treatment coordinated with the Red Cross.

The Guardian

• World Central Kitchen expressed devastation, stating the driver “was doing what so many of our partners do every day in Gaza—working to get food to hungry people,” and called for a full accounting.

Common Dreams

• The Association of Transport Companies in Gaza announced an emergency board meeting to consider suspending operations at Kerem Shalom.

Gaza Aid Driver Shot Dead by IDF With Hands Raised

• Jihad Esleem, deputy head of the Association, said the convoy was “100 % coordinated through the UN World Food Programme and WCK” and condemned the shooting as a deliberate act.

The Guardian

• Drivers reported daily violations, including beatings, humiliation, and forced exposure to the sun.

The Guardian

• The association accused the IDF of “continuation of these dangerous acts” and rejected claims that drivers were smuggling contraband.

The Guardian

Witnesses describe Esleem raising his hands in surrender before being shot, while the IDF narrative emphasizes a driver running toward troops and an “immediate threat.” The IDF statement does not address the language barrier or the position of Esleem’s hands, leaving a factual discrepancy unresolved.

Gaza Aid Driver Shot Dead by IDF With Hands Raised

• “The moment Ahmad raised his hands in surrender, one of the soldiers drew his M16 rifle and shot him directly in the head.” — Jihad Saleem, deputy head, Association of Transport Companies

The Guardian

• “It was a field execution and a deliberate killing of a civilian driver who had complied with all instructions.” — Jihad Saleem

The Guardian

• “drivers are subjected to daily violations, including beatings, abuse, humiliation, and being forced to stand for long hours under the sun.” — Jihad Saleem

Common Dreams

• “I hold the IDF responsible for the continuation of these dangerous acts, because truck drivers have no role in smuggling,” — Jihad Esleem

The Guardian

• “After the truck broke down, we waited for authorization to get out and inspect it, because every movement we make has to be coordinated in advance,” — Diaa Mansour, driver

Common Dreams

• “They ordered me to take off my clothes and forced me to sit under the sun.” — Diaa Mansour

The Guardian

The Transport Companies Association’s emergency meeting on Friday will decide whether to suspend all convoy operations through Kerem Shalom. WCK has demanded a full investigation, and the IDF has placed the incident under review, though no concrete investigative timeline has been announced.

Gaza Aid Driver Shot Dead by IDF With Hands Raised