In a tragic turn of events, seven humanitarian workers from the World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, as reported by USAID Administrator Samantha Power. The workers were part of a relief effort aimed at providing food to the famine-threatened population of Gaza. The loss escalates the already grim toll of the six-month conflict, which has claimed over 30,000 Palestinian lives and over 200 humanitarian workers, according to USAID.
The recent casualties highlight a disturbing trend as the number of aid workers killed in this war has surpassed any previous conflict figures. Power emphasized the need for Israel to strictly adhere to their commitment to quickly conduct a comprehensive investigation into the strike, stressing that "it must bring accountability, and its findings must be made public." Meanwhile, President Biden has also reiterated the need for a swift and transparent inquiry into the incident.
The team at WCK, led by founder José Andrés, has been at the forefront of delivering emergency food assistance to those caught in the crosshairs of the conflict. Facing significant personal danger, they, together with other humanitarian workers, have strived to serve the population of Gaza hot meals in their darkest hours. In a statement obtained by USAID following the tragedy, Power extended "our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of those killed."
Despite the constant threat posed to its workers, USAID has affirmed its commitment to continue aid delivery efforts in Gaza. However, they have called on the Government of Israel and the Israel Defense Forces to do significantly more to facilitate humanitarian work and ensure the safety of aid workers. The call specifically demands Israel to open more land crossings, remove hurdles for delivering aid, and take measures to comprehensively prevent the loss of more innocent lives.
