The Israeli attack on a World Food Programme aid convoy in the Gaza Strip is "absolutely unacceptable," Norwegian International Development Minister Ann Beth Tevenrem said on Friday.

In a statement released by the Department for International Development, Tefnerem expressed her shock that a UN vehicle came under direct fire as it approached an Israeli checkpoint, despite being clearly marked.

She pointed out that the vehicle carrying employees of the United Nations World Food Programme had obtained the necessary permits from the Israeli forces before it was targeted.

The Norwegian minister explained that "Gaza is the most dangerous place in the world for humanitarian aid workers."

“Targeting aid workers providing life-saving assistance to civilians again is completely unacceptable,” she continued.

She stressed the need to respect international humanitarian law everywhere and at all times, calling for an immediate investigation into the attack.