Father of Gaza aid truck driver killed by IDF says soldier shot him ‘between the eyes’

The father of a Palestinian truck driver killed by Israeli forces in Gaza has spoken out against the circumstances of his son's death, asserting that a soldier shot him directly.

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He had held a license for eight years. He had worked at Kerem Shalom for eight years. He was vetted by the army. He had a permit. Then a soldier came and put a bullet between his eyes.

Ahmad Esleem was killed on Wednesday while transporting aid into the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom Crossing. His father, Nasser Esleem, shared his grief in a Hebrew-language video published by the Haaretz daily. "He had held a license for eight years. He had worked at Kerem Shalom for eight years. He was vetted by the army. He had a permit. Then a soldier came and put a bullet between his eyes," Nasser lamented, emphasizing that his son was on his way to "bring food for the children."

Media outlets in Gaza reported that Esleem was shot while returning to the Strip. The IDF told The Times of Israel that Esleem "ran toward troops, who initiated the suspect arrest procedure. During the procedure, they perceived an immediate threat and opened fire." The military confirmed the incident is under investigation.

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Esleem ran toward troops, who initiated the suspect arrest procedure. During the procedure, they perceived an immediate threat and opened fire.

World Central Kitchen confirmed that Ahmad Nasser Saleem, a driver for one of its partner logistics companies, was killed while transporting aid. The organization called for a full investigation. Nasser Esleem made his remarks during a protest in Gaza, where truck drivers demanded better protection, carrying signs in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. Jihad Esleem, deputy head of Gaza’s Private Transport Association, stated that aid truck drivers face "systematic killings and deliberate attacks" while performing their humanitarian duties.

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aid truck drivers are being subjected to systematic killings and deliberate attacks while carrying out their humanitarian duty of transporting aid into the Gaza Strip.