An Israeli airstrike in central Gaza on Monday killed seven humanitarian workers, including citizens from Australia, Britain, Poland, Palestinians, and a dual citizen of the United States and Canada, while working for celebrity chef Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen (WCK), according to the NGO.
The workers were travelling in two armoured vehicles marked with the WCK logo, along with another vehicle, as they departed from their Deir al-Balah warehouse after unloading over 100 tons of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza by sea, as stated by WCK.
Despite coordinating their movements with the Israeli Defence Force, the convoy was struck, prompting Erin Gore, chief executive of World Central Kitchen, to denounce the attack as not only targeting WCK but also humanitarian organizations providing aid in conflict zones where food is weaponized.
The Israeli military acknowledged the incident, stating they are conducting a thorough review to understand the circumstances of what they termed a tragic incident, emphasizing their efforts to facilitate the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and their collaboration with WCK in providing food and aid to Gaza’s people.
Jose Andres, founder of WCK, expressed heartbreak and grief for the victims’ families and friends, condemning the Israeli government’s actions and calling for an end to indiscriminate killings, restrictions on humanitarian aid, and the use of food as a weapon in conflict zones.
In response, the Islamist group Hamas characterized the attack as an attempt to instil fear in workers of international humanitarian agencies, aiming to deter them from their missions.
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