By Janet Ekstract
ISTANBUL – On Tuesday, the world, in collective shock and condemnation, mourned the deaths of seven humanitarian aid workers from a U.S.-based aid organization, foreigners among them, in Gaza, whose convoy was hit by Israeli airstrikes. Turkish Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun in a post on X, said: “Israel shamelessly continues its genocidal acts and violates international humanitarian law as the world fails to protect innocent Palestinians. Yet, another Israeli attack killed international aid workers who were trying to alleviate human suffering in Gaza. Türkiye extends its deepest condolences to the families of World Central Kitchen @WCKitchen) aid workers and condemns this brutal attack. Grave human rights violations, which have left a deep imprint on our collective memory, must stop, Israel should be held accountable for its war crimes. Humanitarian aid access to the Gaza Strip, where food is being used as a weapon of war is urgent to prevent the looming famine in Gaza. The work of humanitarian workers in Gaza reflects the resilience of human conscience in the face of Israel’s atrocities and they will always be remembered.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu admitted that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) as he put it “unintentionally” hit the World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid convoy. But those close to the situation, told international media that WCK had coordinated prior with Israeli forces, having been cleared to deliver aid. Sources said Israeli forces knew exactly where the convoy was headed and its movements, according to WCK. The U.S. called on Israel to conduct an immediate, “impartial” investigation but political analysts and experts on the region, highlighted the fact that what Israel did is what it always does – kill innocent people – and that asking Israel to conduct the investigation is preposterous. The aid workers who were killed include those from Poland, Australia, Ireland, Britain and a U.S.-Canadian citizen, the Times of Israel reported. WCK had been working to unload food brought to Gaza by sea from Cyprus to boost aid in the region.
U.S National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson, responding for the White House said on X “heartbroken” and underscored that relief workers “must be protected as they deliver aid that is desperately needed.” Meanwhile, WCK CEO Erin Gore said “I am heartbroken and appalled that we – World Central Kitchen and the world – lost beautiful lives today because of a targeted attack by the IDF.” Gore added, “This is not only an attack against WCK, this is an attack on humanitarian organizations showing up in the most dire of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war.” She added, “This is unforgiveable.” After the shocking incident, WCK announced it pause operations in Gaza after “a targeted Israeli airstrike.” As WCK posted on X: “We are aware of reports that members of the World Central Kitchen team have been killed in an IDF attack while working to support out humanitarian food delivery efforts in Gaza.” They added: “This is a tragedy. Humanitarian aid workers and civilians should NEVER be a target. EVER.” In a Telegram post on Monday night, the IDF said it was investigating: “Following the reports regarding the World Central Kitchen personnel in Gaza today, the IDF is conducting a thorough review at the highest levels to understand the circumstances of this tragic incident.” Israel’s Haaretz newspaper reported on Tuesday that the Israeli Air Force (IAF) fired three missiles in quick succession at three vehicles. Defense Forces Spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari in an English-language statement said he spoke to WCK founder Chef Jose Andres to express “the deepest condolences of the Israel Defense Forces to the families and the entire World Central Kitchen family.”
