Gaza City, Gaza Strip — Seven aid workers, including foreign nationals, were tragically killed in an Israeli military strike while delivering food to starving civilians in Gaza. The non-profit group World Central Kitchen, along with authorities in the besieged enclave, confirmed the deaths.
The aid workers, traveling in marked vehicles in a designated safe zone, were struck as they left a warehouse after unloading over 100 tons of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza by sea. Among those killed were individuals from the US, Canada, Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, and a Palestinian.
Videos obtained showed the aftermath of the airstrike, with victims in World Central Kitchen vests. The organization, devastated by the attack, announced a temporary halt to its operations in Gaza and pledged to assess the future of its aid efforts in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret, acknowledging that the aid workers were unintentionally targeted. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated it was conducting a thorough review to understand the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Various world leaders and organizations mourned the loss of the aid workers and praised World Central Kitchen’s dedication to assisting those in need. The charity, known for its relief efforts in disaster-stricken regions globally, has been instrumental in providing food aid to the vulnerable population in Gaza amidst challenging circumstances.
The incident has sparked international condemnation, with calls for accountability and a ceasefire from concerned parties. Palestinian, Australian, and Polish officials demanded explanations and assurances from the Israeli government regarding the deaths of their nationals.
As investigations continue, the global humanitarian community mourns the loss of these dedicated individuals and renews its commitment to providing aid to those in need, despite the risks involved. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by aid workers operating in conflict zones and the importance of upholding humanitarian principles in times of crisis.