WFP condemns attack on food warehouse in the West Bank – WFP press release

WFP condemns attack on food warehouse in the West Bank

Nablus, 16 June 2007 – WFP today condemned an armed attack on a food warehouse containing WFP food, run by the Ministry of Social Affairs in Nablus, West Bank.

Armed men ransacked the well-marked warehouse this morning, stole several tons of WFP food and looted office equipment including computers and fax machines.

The warehouse was returned to WFP custody following intervention by the Palestinian Authority, the warehouse is now under police protection.

Respecting humanitarian workers

WFP calls on all parties in the occupied Palestinian territory to respect the independence and neutrality of humanitarian workers and installations and calls on parties concerned to return the stolen goods and equipment immediately. WFP can only continue its vital operations whilst the safety of staff and goods is guaranteed.

WFP, together with other aid agencies, are working to help alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people in the West bank and Gaza Strip. This humanitarian mission is becoming increasingly challenging amidst the current security environment.

WFP currently assists 665,000 of the most vulnerable non refugees in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The stolen food was intended for chronically poor families suffering heavily under the current conditions.