International aid workers from World Central Kitchen, a crucial source of food for desperate Gazans, were tragically killed in an airstrike in Gaza. The founder of the organization, José Andrés, confirmed the devastating news, stating that “several of our sisters and brothers” lost their lives in the attack.
The airstrike, which took place late Monday in Deir al-Balah, a city in central Gaza, was reportedly carried out by the Israeli military. Graphic video footage from the aftermath showed five dead bodies, three of which were identified as citizens of Poland, Australia, and Britain. Some of the victims were wearing protective gear with visible World Central Kitchen patches.
The Israeli military released a statement early Tuesday, expressing their condolences and stating that they are conducting a thorough review to understand the circumstances of the incident. They emphasized their efforts to enable the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and their close collaboration with World Central Kitchen.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia expressed his concern over the loss of life in Gaza and stated that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was urgently investigating the reports of an Australian aid worker being killed. He called for a sustainable cease-fire and emphasized the need to prevent further loss of innocent lives in the conflict.
World Central Kitchen, known for its vital efforts to provide food and humanitarian aid to Gazans, has been working tirelessly to distribute aid in the region. The organization condemned the attack, stating that humanitarian aid workers and civilians should never be targets of violence.
José Andrés called on the Israeli government to stop the indiscriminate killing, restrict humanitarian aid, and use food as a weapon. The international community mourns the loss of these dedicated aid workers and calls for an end to the violence in Gaza.
