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World Central Kitchen, a disaster relief organization founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, reported that seven of its aid workers were killed in an air strike by the Israeli military in Gaza, according to a statement released by the group.
The US-based organization has been involved in overseeing the construction of a pier and facilitating aid delivery to the northern Gaza Strip, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are reportedly facing severe living conditions, including malnutrition and hunger.
"This is not just an attack on World Central Kitchen; it's an assault on humanitarian groups working in the most desperate situations, where food is being weaponized," said Erin Gore, the CEO of World Central Kitchen, announcing the organization's decision to temporarily halt operations in the region.
The seven individuals killed hailed from Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, a dual citizen of the US and Canada, and Palestine, as per the group's statement.
The Israeli military is currently conducting an investigation into the incident to determine what transpired, stated spokesperson Daniel Hagari, who also expressed condolences to José Andrés.
"We will be launching an inquiry to delve deeper into this grave incident," Hagari stated. "This step is aimed at minimizing the risk of such incidents occurring in the future."
The conflict in Gaza escalated following an attack by the militant group Hamas on Israel on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties and the abduction of around 250 individuals. Israel launched a military campaign against Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by the US and EU, resulting in a death toll exceeding 32,000 Palestinians, according to authorities in the Hamas-run enclave.
Expressing deep concern, the White House National Security Council spokesperson, Adrienne Watson, stated that the US is "heartbroken and deeply troubled" by the airstrike, urging Israel to conduct a swift investigation.
Last month, World Central Kitchen successfully delivered its first aid shipment via a sea route, with two additional ships arriving in Gaza from Cyprus.
In the past year, WCK staff, along with numerous volunteers and contractors, have responded to crises in nearly 20 countries, providing food to war victims in Ukraine, distributing meal kits to earthquake survivors in Syria and Turkey, and collaborating with local aid groups in Gaza, Israel, and neighboring countries to feed war victims and hostage families.
On its website, WCK reported setting up a field kitchen in Rafah and establishing a network of community kitchens across Gaza.
Expressing sorrow, José Andrés stated, "I am heartbroken and grieving for their families, friends, and our entire WCK family.
The Israeli government must cease these indiscriminate killings, lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, refrain from targeting civilians and aid workers, and stop using food as a weapon."
The content ends with a reference to World Central Kitchen pausing operations and provides additional context about the war.