The World Central Kitchen, a foreign-aid organization, has called for an independent and international investigation into the killing of seven of its workers in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.
The organization stressed the need for an independent inquiry to uncover the truth, ensure transparency, hold those responsible accountable, and prevent future attacks on humanitarian aid workers.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday night when a three-vehicle convoy, including two armored cars, was struck after leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse in central Gaza.
The aid workers had just finished unloading over 100 tons of humanitarian aid brought to Gaza via the maritime route.
The organization, founded by chef Jose Andres, described the airstrike as a "military attack involving multiple strikes that targeted three WCK vehicles."
WCK stated that all three vehicles were clearly marked as WCK vehicles and were carrying civilians. Their movements were in full compliance with Israeli authorities, who were aware of their itinerary, route, and humanitarian mission.
Despite this, the vehicles were targeted in the airstrike.
The organization has requested the U.S., Australian, Canadian, and Polish governments to support their demand for an independent, third-party investigation into the attacks.
They seek clarity on whether the attacks were intentional and if they violated international law.
Responding to these claims, a senior adviser for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the notion that the strike was intentional as "absurd."
He emphasized that Israel would never want to endanger civilian lives.
WCK has urged Israel to preserve all relevant material, including documents and communications, related to the strike.