In an unfortunate incident in Gaza, World Central Kitchen reported the demise of seven aid workers due to an aggressive encounter with IDF.
In a recent development, World Central Kitchen has announced a temporary cessation of its activities in Gaza due to a tragic event involving the Israel Defense Forces, which resulted in the loss of seven of its humanitarian workers. The organization’s chief executive officer, Erin Gore, expressed that such an incident is an egregious violation against humanitarian entities that strive to provide sustenance amidst conflict.
The individuals who lost their lives were of diverse nationalities, including Australian, Polish, British, Palestinian, and a dual American-Canadian citizen, as per the organization’s disclosure.
Having been active in the region for an extended period, the charitable group has contributed over 33 million meals since the conflict’s inception, managing more than 60 local kitchens with the assistance of approximately 400 Palestinian residents.
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Adrienne Watson, representing the White House National Security Council, conveyed profound sorrow and concern over the incident. She emphasized the imperative of safeguarding humanitarian workers and called for a prompt and thorough inquiry by Israeli authorities.
An early morning occurrence in the northern part of Gaza is currently under investigation, as stated by a spokesperson from the charity, who underscored that humanitarian personnel and civilians should never be targeted.
The Israel Defense Forces have initiated a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding this sorrowful event, affirming their commitment to facilitating the secure provision of humanitarian assistance and acknowledging their collaboration with World Central Kitchen in these critical humanitarian endeavors.
The United Kingdom’s foreign secretary, David Cameron, reported that efforts are underway to confirm the involvement of British nationals in the incident, and he has requested a detailed and transparent account from Israel.
World Central Kitchen founder shared profound grief…
Jose Andres, the renowned chef and founder of World Central Kitchen, shared his profound grief over the loss of his colleagues, whom he referred to as family and angels with whom he had worked in various global crises. He called for an end to the indiscriminate violence and restrictions on humanitarian aid, advocating for peace and recognition of shared humanity.
Today @WCKitchen lost several of our sisters and brothers in an IDF air strike in Gaza. I am heartbroken and grieving for their families and friends and our whole WCK family. These are people…angels…I served alongside in Ukraine, Gaza, Turkey, Morocco, Bahamas, Indonesia. They… https://t.co/rM3xbsiQ1Q
— Chef José Andrés 🕊️🥘🍳 (@chefjoseandres) April 1, 2024
Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the IDF, extended his deepest sympathies to Andres and assured that an investigation is being launched to prevent such occurrences in the future, promising to conduct the probe with full transparency.
IDF spokesperson, RAdm. Daniel Hagari, spoke with @WCKitchen founder, @chefjoseandres, and expressed the IDF's deepest condolences to the entire World Central Kitchen family.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 2, 2024
The work of WCK is critical. pic.twitter.com/nRUYZVxif3