Seven aid workers with World Central Kitchen tragically lost their lives during an Israel Defense Forces attack in Gaza, leading the food-relief organization to announce a temporary suspension of its operations in the region.
CEO Erin Gore strongly condemned the attack, calling it "not only an attack against WCK, but also an assault on humanitarian organizations assisting in the most desperate situations, where food is being weaponized.
This is unforgivable."
The victims included aid workers from Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Palestine, with one holding dual American-Canadian citizenship, according to WCK.
The organization has been actively providing aid in Gaza for several months, serving over 33 million meals since the conflict began. Operating more than 60 community kitchens with the support of approximately 400 Palestinians on the ground, WCK has been a vital lifeline for the region.
The IDF stated that it was conducting a thorough review to understand the circumstances of the incident, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring the safe delivery of humanitarian aid.
Jose Andres, the chef and founder of WCK, expressed profound sadness for the loss, urging the Israeli government to cease indiscriminate killing and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid.
He stressed the importance of prioritizing humanity and peace in the region.