Israeli strike kills 7 US-based aid workers in Gaza

As humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates, 7 aid workers from Australia, Poland, the UK, the US-Canada, Palestine, involved in food aid operations in Gaza are killed in Israeli strike

The strife-torn region of Gaza faced another day of tragedy as a strike resulted in the death of seven humanitarian aid workers.

This calamitous incident occurred while the workers, associated with the U.S.-based charity World Central Kitchen (WCK), were unloading food aid in what was supposed to be a de-conflicted zone.

World Central Kitchen confirmed the loss of its team members, who hail from Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, a dual U.S.-Canada citizen, and Palestine. The charity announced a pause in its operations in response to this devastating event.

“The team was traveling in a convoy clearly marked with the WCK logo,” the charity stated, stressing the efforts made to coordinate movements with the Israeli army. However, despite these precautions, the convoy was struck near the Deir al-Balah warehouse after delivering over 100 tons of humanitarian aid from Cyprus.

Reacting to the incident, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “This is someone who was volunteering overseas to provide aid … And this is just completely unacceptable.”

The United States National Security Council also voiced its concern. “We are heartbroken and deeply troubled by the strike that killed (WCK) aid workers in Gaza,” the White House National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson said.

A U.N. report from March 19 painted a grim picture, revealing that half of Gaza’s population is facing “catastrophic” hunger, with famine looming in the north.

The blockade has significantly hindered aid flow, compounding the suffering. “Road convoys are the only way of supplying food in the volume needed,” the United Nations has emphasized.

The human toll of the conflict, as reported by Gaza’s health ministry, includes over 32,000 casualties, primarily women and children. Palestinians who have survived the relentless Israeli attacks now face an acute struggle to obtain essential survival resources. With famine threatening the region, numerous individuals tragically lose their lives in desperate attempts to access aid delivered by air.

James Elder, a spokesperson for UNICEF, commented on the situation: “This has been one of the most dangerous places in living memory to operate; Gaza is breaking too many bleak records.” He pointed out the numerous challenges and immense risks those working in the region face.

The U.S. National Security Council reiterated the necessity of a thorough review. “Humanitarian aid workers must be protected as they deliver desperately needed aid,”  Watson said, urging Israel to conduct a swift investigation.

With an inquiry underway by the Israeli military, the global community awaits answers and actions to ensure the safety of humanitarian missions.

Source: Newsroom