Gaza: 7 Western Volunteers Killed, Israel Says “Mistake”

“A mistake” by the Israeli army (IDF) has cost the lives of seven workers distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza.

This was reported by World Central Kitchen (WCK), an American non-government non-profit organization founded by chef Jose Andres in 2010 after the earthquake that devastated Haiti.

An Israeli army airstrike in the center of Gaza killed seven people from Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, Palestine, as well as a person with dual US and Canadian citizenship, all of whom were traveling aboard two armored personnel carriers with a logo identifying a NGO, namely WCK. Despite coordinating movements with the IDF, the convoy was fired upon as it left a warehouse in Deir al-Balah, where the group unloaded more than 100 tons of humanitarian food aid that had arrived in Gaza by sea.

“This is not just an attack on WCK, it’s an attack on humanitarian organizations that find themselves in the direst situations when food is used as a weapon of war. This is inexcusable,” commented WCK CEO Erin Gore. “I am heartbroken and shocked that today we, World Central Kitchen and the world, lost beautiful lives in a targeted attack by the IDF. Their love of caring for people, the determination, with which they demonstrated that humanity rises above it all, and the impact they had on countless lives will always be remembered and appreciated.” The association has temporarily suspended all activities in the sector.

The Israel Defense Forces explained that “following reports about the staff of the World Central Kitchen in the Gaza Strip, it is conducting a thorough review at the highest level to understand the circumstances of this tragic incident. The military is working hard to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and is working closely with WCK in their vital efforts to provide food and humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.”

The White House’s first reaction came via X social media post by Adrianne Watson, spokeswoman for the US Security Council: “We are saddened and deeply concerned by the attack. (…) Aid workers must be protected as they deliver much-needed aid, and we call on Israel to quickly investigate the incident.”