new york — President Joe Biden said he was furious about the incident. Israeli airstrike kills 7 aid workers delivering food in Gaza Strip.
On Tuesday, World Central Kitchen released the identity of the victim. At least one is a U.S. citizen and the other was in New York City at the height of the pandemic.
A US-based charity has now suspended its operations in Gaza amid growing concerns of hunger within the country.
In a recent video, Australian chef Zomi Francome describes her work at World Central Kitchen in Gaza. In April 2020, Francome's smile was a source of comfort in New York City as she worked with SOMOS Community Care to cook and deliver meals locally during the pandemic.
“While people were dying, she was preparing food and delivering it to people in line. She was someone you could really turn to during difficult times. Some say she was an angel. ” said Dr. Ramon Taraji, Founder and Chairman. Somos Community Care.
On Tuesday, Francome was confirmed to be among at least seven World Central Kitchen employees killed in Monday's IDF airstrike.
The nonprofit organization immediately suspended operations there.
Video of the attack showed a dark hole cut through the company's logo, which was thought to allow the vehicle to be identified from the air.
The other victims included three British nationals, one Polish citizen, a dual American and Canadian citizen, and a Palestinian driver, the nonprofit group said.
The driver was a relative of a staff member of Project Hope, which runs two clinics in Gaza. Accordingly, they were also closed.
“Project Hope tragically lost a member of our staff in a rocket attack over a month ago, but this time we are extremely grateful for the loss of our staff,” said Chris Skopek, Executive Vice President of Project Hope. It was different in that it received a lot of attention.” “That caused us to really rethink the level of safety.”
The American Near East Refugee Assistance Association (ANERA), which delivers food and medical supplies, has also temporarily suspended operations.
Chief Development Officer Derek Madsen said: “We still have no answers regarding the killing of Israeli military personnel.” “Given that, we are providing very detailed information to the Israeli government about our location. There needs to be some assurance from whoever we are giving the information to.”
World Central Kitchen said it was coordinating its movements with the Israeli military to help alleviate what the United Nations calls famine in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted responsibility.
“Unfortunately, recently there was a tragic incident in which our troops unintentionally attacked innocent people in the Gaza Strip. Such things happen in times of war, and we are conducting a thorough investigation,” Netanyahu said. ” he said.
“We spoke with Chef Jose Andres, founder of World Central Kitchen, and expressed our deepest condolences to the families of the IDF,” Israeli military spokesman Maj. Gen. Daniel Hagari said in a statement.
National security spokesman John Kirby said a preliminary investigation had been submitted to the Army Chief of Staff.
“I look forward to the results of these investigations being made public and appropriate accountability being met,” Kirby said. “More than 200 aid workers have been killed in this conflict, the deadliest crisis for aid workers in recent history. This incident is emblematic of a larger problem.”
Kirby added that the United States will do everything in its power to provide assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
The United Nations' World Food Program said the World Central Kitchen was making a significant contribution to the fight against devastating hunger there.
