Seven World Central Kitchen aid workers have been killed in an Israeli Defense Forces attack in Gaza, the food relief organization announced, adding that it would suspend operations in the area.
“This is not just an attack on WCK, but an attack on humanitarian organizations in the most dire situations where food is being used as a weapon of war,” CEO Erin Gore said in a statement. “This is unacceptable.”
WCK identified all seven victims on Tuesday. The youngest person was Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25, a Palestinian.
The victims were John Chapman, 57, and three other people from the UK. James “Jim” Henderson, 33 years old. and James Kirby (47).
The victims included Damian Sobol, 35, from Poland. Jacob Flickinger, 33, from the United States and Canada. and Lalzaumi “Zomi” Francome (43) from Australia.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Joe Biden spoke with WCK founder Jose Andres and “expressed his sadness with the entire World Central Kitchen family.” said.
“The President felt it was important to recognize the tremendous contribution that World Central Kitchen has made to the people of Gaza and to people around the world,” Jean-Pierre said. “The president has made it clear to Israel that humanitarian aid workers must be protected.”
White House National Security Council Press Secretary John Kirby issued the administration's strongest response to the deadly attack.
“Yesterday, the Israeli Defense Forces killed a number of civilian humanitarian workers from the World Central Kitchen, who are working relentlessly to feed hungry people in Gaza and, frankly, around the world. We were furious when we learned of the attack,'' Kirby said. “We extend our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones.”
Kirby added: “This incident is emblematic of a larger problem and evidence of why it is so difficult to distribute aid to Gaza. But beyond the attack, it is clear that the IDF It means we have to do more, more, more.” Improve conflict resolution processes to protect civilians and humanitarian workers. ”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made his first comments about the fatal accident while leaving the hospital after a successful hernia operation.
“Unfortunately, last week a tragic incident occurred in the Gaza Strip in which our forces unintentionally attacked innocent people,” Prime Minister Netanyahu said. “These things happen in wars. We will check every last detail. We are in contact with governments and will do everything we can to make sure this never happens again.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later issued a second statement, saying, “Israel deeply regrets the tragic incident that claimed the lives of seven humanitarian aid workers.''
“Our hearts go out to their families and their homeland,” Prime Minister Netanyahu said. “The IDF is conducting a swift and transparent investigation and we intend to make its findings public.Israel is committed to ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches civilians in the Gaza Strip and that tragedies like this We will do everything in our power to prevent this from happening in the Gaza Strip.''Future. “
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also called Andres on Tuesday to offer his condolences. In his statement, Herzog said he had conveyed to Andres “Israel's determination to ensure a thorough investigation of the tragedy.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for accountability for Francome's death, calling for accountability for Ms Francome's death, saying she was “an example of the kind exemplified by someone who goes to extremely dangerous places to help humanity, her fellow human beings, people she doesn't know.” He said he had “values.”
“She just wanted to help through this charity work,” Albanese said. “It speaks volumes about this young woman's character and I would like to convey her heartfelt condolences and the feelings of the Australian Government to Ms Zomi's family, friends and everyone who knew her on this tragedy.”
The non-governmental organization WCK has been working in Gaza for several months and said it has provided more than 33 million meals since the start of the conflict. It operates more than 60 community kitchens in the Gaza Strip with the help of about 400 local Palestinians.
White House National Security Council Press Secretary Adrian Watson said U.S. officials were “saddened and deeply troubled” by the strikes. statement on social media.
“Humanitarian aid workers providing desperately needed aid must be protected. We call on Israel to swiftly investigate what happened,” Watson said.
A representative for the group said WCK is still gathering details about the incident, which occurred early Tuesday morning.
A WCK statement said the aid workers were traveling in a caravan of three vehicles, including two armored vehicles, all bearing WCK logos. Despite coordination with the IDF, the team was helping unload more than 100 tons of humanitarian aid delivered to Gaza by sea from the Deir al-Balah warehouse in central Gaza, according to a WCK statement. He said he was shocked when he left. .
“This is a tragedy. Humanitarian aid workers and civilians should never be targeted. Never,” he said in a statement.
The IDF said in a statement that it was conducting a “thorough investigation at the highest level to understand the circumstances of this tragic incident.”
“IDF has undertaken extensive efforts to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian supplies and is working closely with WCK in this critical effort to provide food and humanitarian supplies to the people of Gaza,” the statement said. Ta.
Also on Tuesday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant noted the tragic nature of the incident and stressed the importance of conducting a thorough and professional investigation and subsequently implementing the lessons learned. Mr. Gallant highlighted Israel's commitment to working closely with partner countries and agencies to facilitate the distribution of humanitarian aid, in addition to the important work undertaken by international aid agencies.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in Paris on Tuesday that the US had discussed the missile attack on the WCK team with the Israeli government.
“We spoke directly with the Israeli government about this particular incident and called for a swift, thorough and impartial investigation to understand exactly what happened,” Blinken said.
Blinken said the seven victims “join the record number of humanitarian workers killed in this particular conflict.” At least 196 aid workers, including 175 UN staff, have been killed in the conflict between Hamas and Israel, according to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
“For many of us, all we can say is our condolences to our loved ones, to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives or were injured,” Blinken said. “They continue to do extraordinary, courageous work and important work day in and day out…starting with the most basic of all – food. They are heroes. They carry fire. They show the best of what humanity has to offer and must be protected. ”
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said in a statement that British authorities were “working urgently” to establish whether a British national was killed.
“We call on Israel to immediately investigate what happened and provide a full and transparent explanation.”
WCK founder Andres said he was “heartbroken” and “saddened” for the families and friends of the slain workers.
“Today @WCKitchen lost several of our sisters and brothers in an IDF airstrike in Gaza.” he wrote to x.
He added: “I am heartbroken and grieving for their family and friends and our entire WCK family. They are people… angels… , served together in Morocco, the Bahamas and Indonesia. They are not faceless… They are not,” he added. Anonymous. The Israeli government needs to stop this indiscriminate killing. We need to stop restricting humanitarian aid, stop killing civilians and aid workers, and stop using food as a weapon. No more innocent lives will be lost. Peace begins with our shared humanity. Is required. Get started now. ”
Daniel Hagari, a spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces, said in a recorded message that he had spoken to Andres and expressed his “deepest condolences.”
He said: “We will be launching an investigation to further investigate this serious incident. This will help reduce the risk of an incident like this happening again.” We will uncover the truth behind this incident and share the results.” Transparent. ”
ABC News' Joe Simonetti and Bill Hutchinson contributed to this article.
