A
n Israeli airstrike in Gaza has resulted in the tragic killing of seven aid workers associated with the World Central Kitchen (WCK) charity, leading to the suspension of vital food aid delivery to Palestinians. The Israeli attack has sparked outrage and condemnation, with calls for an immediate investigation into the incident.
The strike occurred late Monday, targeting a convoy of humanitarian workers traveling in the central Gaza town of Deir al-Balah.
The victims of the Israeli attack include three British nationals, an Australian, a Polish national, an American-Canadian dual citizen, and a Palestinian, according to hospital records. Footage from the scene showed the bodies of the aid workers, several of whom were wearing protective gear with the charity’s logo, at a local hospital.
The World Central Kitchen, founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, played a crucial role in delivering vital food aid to Gaza’s northern region, which has been severely affected by Israel’s offensive. The charity’s efforts were instrumental in providing aid to a population on the brink of starvation, largely cut off from the rest of the territory by Israeli forces.
Expressing his grief over the loss of his colleagues, José Andrés called on the Israeli government to halt indiscriminate attacks and to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers. He emphasized that humanitarian aid should not be used as a weapon of war and urged for an end to civilian casualties in conflict zones.
The Israeli military expressed “sincere sorrow”, as usual, over the deaths of the aid workers but stopped short of accepting responsibility for the airstrike. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the top military spokesman, announced that an independent investigation would be launched to determine the circumstances of the incident and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The tragic incident has prompted widespread condemnation from the international community, with calls for accountability and justice for the victims. The United States, a key ally of Israel, expressed deep concern over the airstrike and urged for a swift and transparent investigation into the matter.
The killings of the aid workers have dealt a severe blow to humanitarian efforts in Gaza, exacerbating an already dire situation for the region’s vulnerable population. As calls for a humanitarian ceasefire grow louder, the need for urgent action to address the escalating crisis in Gaza has become increasingly apparent.
Source: The Associated Press
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