Four international aid workers with the World Central Kitchen charity and their Palestinian driver were killed in an apparent Israeli airstrike while delivering food and other supplies to northern Gaza. The bodies of the five individuals were seen at a hospital in Deir al-Balah, with some wearing protective gear with the charity’s logo. According to a paramedic from the Palestinian Red Crescent, the aid workers’ car was struck by an Israeli missile just after they crossed from northern Gaza following the aid delivery.
The U.S. has promoted the sea route as a new method to bring much-needed aid to northern Gaza, where a significant number of Palestinians are facing famine due to restrictions imposed by Israeli forces. Israel has prevented UNRWA and other aid groups from making deliveries to the north, making it dangerous to send truck convoys in that direction. The Israeli military coordinated both deliveries, which arrived on ships organized by the United Arab Emirates and the World Central Kitchen, founded by celebrity chef José Andrés.
In response to the incident, Chef José Andrés issued a statement calling for an end to indiscriminate killing and the use of food as a weapon. He urged peace and shared humanity to begin immediately.
