Foreign Aid Workers from Various Countries Perish in Israeli Strike on World Central Kitchen Team in Gaza

Foreign nationals, including aid workers, were tragically killed in Gaza during an Israeli military strike while they were delivering food to starving civilians. This information was confirmed by the non-profit organization World Central Kitchen and local authorities in the area.

According to World Central Kitchen, the aid workers were traveling in a designated safe zone in two armored vehicles that displayed the charity's logo, along with another vehicle that did not have armored protection.

The group stated that despite coordinating movements with the IDF, the convoy was hit while leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse. The team had just unloaded over 100 tons of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza via the maritime route.

According to the group, those who lost their lives in the attack included a dual US-Canada national, individuals from Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, and a Palestinian.

"I am devastated and shocked that today we lost precious lives due to a deliberate attack by the IDF," expressed Erin Gore, CEO of World Central Kitchen.

She continued, "Their passion for providing meals, their unwavering commitment to demonstrating that humanity prevails, and the positive influence they had on so many lives will always be honored and treasured."

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are currently conducting a comprehensive review at the highest levels to fully understand the details surrounding this heartbreaking incident.

Videos obtained by CNN depict the distressing scene of numerous victims, who were wearing World Central Kitchen vests, with visible injuries after the airstrike in Deir Al-Balah.

World Central Kitchen is a nonprofit organization that provides meals to regions and communities affected by disasters. They are one of the few aid organizations that deliver food to Gaza, where 2.2 million people are struggling to find enough to eat. Aid agencies have warned that half of the population is at risk of starvation and famine due to Israel's restrictions on aid and the widespread destruction in the region.

World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés expressed his sorrow on social media, stating that the organization had lost several team members in an IDF air strike in Gaza. He shared his condolences for the families and friends of those affected, as well as for the entire WCK family.

The indiscriminate killing by the Israeli government must come to an end. It is crucial for them to stop limiting humanitarian aid, ceasing the harm done to civilians and aid workers, and refraining from using food as a tool of war.

The individuals affected by these actions are not just strangers. They are people who I have worked with in various places such as Ukraine, Gaza, Turkey, Morocco, Bahamas, and Indonesia. They are not anonymous or forgotten, they are real individuals with faces and names.

Australian national Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom (left) was among those confirmed killed

Australian national Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom (left) was among those confirmed killed

World Central Kitchen/X

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese identified the Australian victim as Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom.

Albanese mentioned a person who volunteered in Australia to assist during the bushfires and another who was overseas volunteering to help those in need in Gaza.

He emphasized that Australia demands full accountability for the deaths of aid workers, considering it entirely unacceptable.

The Australian government has reached out to the Israeli government directly. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has asked for a "call-in" from the Israeli ambassador to Australia.

Saif Issam Abu-Taha, a Palestinian driver and translator who was working with World Central Kitchen, was identified as one of the victims by Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Gaza.

Hamas strongly condemned the attack in a statement released on Tuesday. They called on the international community and the United Nations to take action in response to the incident.

The statement emphasized that the attack is further evidence of the occupation's ongoing strategy to deliberately target and harm innocent civilians, international relief teams, and humanitarian organizations. Hamas believes that these actions are meant to instill fear in those working in these sectors and hinder their ability to carry out their important humanitarian work.

Aid workers are facing danger

According to Barak Ravid, a Middle East expert and CNN’s Political and Global Affairs Analyst, his sources in Israel described a situation of "confusion" and "embarrassment" following the deaths of World Central Kitchen workers.

World Central Kitchen was a non-governmental organization (NGO) that the IDF closely collaborated with to deliver food to Gaza by sea, according to Ravid.

The IDF aimed to demonstrate its efforts in addressing food shortages in Gaza by partnering with this organization, Ravid explained. However, a few days later, there were reports of alleged attacks on aid workers from World Central Kitchen by the IDF.

Ravid mentioned that aid workers have been targeted by Israeli forces before. Most of the aid workers who have died are Palestinians and their families.

In the recent conflict that started after Hamas' violent actions on October 7, at least 165 workers from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) have been killed, as reported by the agency last month.

The World Central Kitchen has been in the spotlight for their efforts in providing food relief to those in need during various disasters such as earthquakes in Haiti, Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, wildfires in Southern California, and the refugee crisis at the Venezuelan border.

Recently, the non-profit organization took on a new initiative to send 200 tons of food aid to Gaza through a maritime shipment, marking the first time humanitarian aid was delivered to the Palestinian enclave by sea.

The shipment contained sufficient ingredients for 500,000 meals that World Central Kitchen intended to distribute in the area where hundreds of thousands of people are facing famine.

This story is still developing and will be updated as new information becomes available.

Editor's P/S:

The tragic deaths of aid workers in Gaza, including individuals from various nationalities, highlight the devastating consequences of violence on civilians and the importance of protecting those who provide humanitarian assistance. It is imperative that all parties involved prioritize the safety and well-being of aid workers, who play a critical role in alleviating suffering and saving lives. The indiscriminate targeting of civilians and humanitarian workers must end, and all efforts must be made to facilitate the delivery of essential aid to those in need.

Furthermore, the incident underscores the ongoing challenges and risks faced by aid workers operating in conflict zones. It is essential to address these challenges through coordinated efforts involving governments, international organizations, and humanitarian agencies. By ensuring the protection and security of aid workers, we can empower them to continue their vital work and provide hope and support to communities in desperate need.