DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip. An Israeli airstrike has claimed the lives of seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen, prompting the charity to suspend crucial food aid deliveries to Gaza. The strike adds to the mounting humanitarian crisis in the region, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are on the brink of starvation due to Israel’s ongoing offensive.
The strike, which occurred in Gaza’s north, targeted a convoy of aid workers, including those from the renowned food charity founded by celebrity chef José Andrés. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the tragedy, referring to it as an “unintended strike on innocent people” and pledged an investigation to prevent such incidents in the future.
Witnesses described the aftermath of the strike, depicting a vehicle adorned with the charity’s logo, indicating its humanitarian mission. The incident has raised questions about the safety of humanitarian workers operating in conflict zones.
In response to the strike, World Central Kitchen announced the suspension of its operations in Gaza. The charity had been instrumental in efforts to establish new aid routes, including a sea route facilitated by several countries, to alleviate the dire situation in the region.
José Andrés, expressing his grief over the loss of his team members, called for an end to indiscriminate violence and urged Israel to cease restrictions on humanitarian aid. “The Israeli government needs to stop using food as a weapon,” Andrés emphasized.
The strike underscores the dangers faced by aid organizations operating in Gaza. Anera, another aid group, announced a pause in its operations following the incident, citing concerns for the safety of its staff.
The United Nations humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories, Jamie McGoldrick, condemned the strike, highlighting the broader pattern of violence against humanitarian workers in the conflict. McGoldrick emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire to address the worsening humanitarian situation.
The Israeli offensive, which began in October following an attack by Hamas militants, has led to a sharp escalation in tensions across the region. The international community has called for an investigation into the incident, with the United States, Britain, Poland, and Australia expressing deep concern over the loss of civilian lives.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
