Israeli air strike kills four water engineers working with Oxfam partner in Gaza

An Israeli air strike killed four water engineers in Gaza on Saturday who had been working with an organisation partnered with Oxfam in the Khuzaa area in Khan Younis.

Oxfam said the men were working with its strategic partner the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility (CMWU).  

"The four men were killed on their way to conduct repairs to water infrastructure in Khuzaa, east of Khan Younis. Despite prior coordination with Israeli authorities their clearly-marked vehicle was bombed," the NGO said on Saturday.

"Dozens of engineers, civil servants and humanitarian workers have been killed in Israeli air strikes throughout this war. They were all working on essential services to keep Gaza's fragile infrastructure running."

Oxfam said the movements of the men had been coordinated with Israeli authorities to ensure their safety, but they were still targeted by an Israeli strike.  

"Attacks on civilian infrastructure and those who maintain it are clear violations of international humanitarian law. Those responsible must be held to account. Such attacks are part of the crime of using starvation as a weapon of war," the UK-founded charity said.

"Oxfam demands an independent investigation into this and other attacks on essential workers. We reiterate our calls for a ceasefire, an immediate halt to arms transfers to Israel, and the international community to ensure Israel is held accountable for its continued assault on civilians and those working to deliver life-saving services."