World leaders are demanding answers after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, on April 1, killed seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), hailing from the UK, Australia, Poland, the US, and Palestine.
The tragic incident sparked outrage globally, with calls for a thorough and transparent investigation into the deaths.
“This is unforgivable”
“This is not only an attack against WCK, this is an attack on humanitarian organizations showing up in the most dire of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war. This is unforgivable,” said World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore.
The founder of disaster relief group and celebrity chef José Andrés said on X that he was “heartbroken and grieving” for the members of the organization who were killed. “The Israeli government needs to stop this indiscriminate killing. It needs to stop restricting humanitarian aid, stop killing civilians and aid workers, and stop using food as a weapon,” he said.
UK, Australia and others condemn deadly attack
Officials of the UK and Australia expressed shock and anger over the Israeli air strike in Gaza, urging an immediate ceasefire and accountability.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese confirmed the death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, calling it “completely unacceptable” and demanding full accountability.
“This news today is tragic. DFAT has also requested a call-in from the Israeli ambassador as well,” Albanese said, referring to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
UK’s Foreign Minister David Cameron termed the killings “deeply distressing” and urged Israel to provide a transparent explanation and protect humanitarian workers.
“It is essential that humanitarian workers are protected and able to carry out their work. We have called on Israel to immediately investigate and provide a full, transparent explanation of what happened”, Cameron said on X.
Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences and objected to the disregard for international humanitarian law, requesting an explanation from Israel. Meanwhile, Spain’s Foreign Affairs Minister Jose Manuel Albares voiced horror at the deaths and demanded a ceasefire and humanitarian aid entry.
EU’s humanitarian affairs commissioner, Janez Lenarcic, condemned the attack and called for an immediate ceasefire.
US ‘outraged’ over deadly Israeli attack on aid workers
US President Joe Biden expressed outrage over Israel’s airstrike and called for accountability.
Biden criticized Israel for failing to protect aid workers and civilians in its military operations in Gaza following the October 7 Hamas attacks.
“I am outraged and heart-broken by the deaths of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen, including one American, in Gaza yesterday,” he said.
Israel’s “investigation must be swift, it must bring accountability, and its findings must be made public”.
Sunak calls for investigation into deaths of 3 British aid workers
UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak called for an urgent probe into the deaths of three British aid workers from World Central Kitchen, who were killed in the Israeli airstrike on an aid convoy in Gaza.
WCK identified the British victims as John Chapman, 57, James “Jim” Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, all part of the charity’s security team.
During a conversation with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on April 2, the UK Prime Minister emphasized the high number of aid workers and civilians killed in Gaza.
Who were the foreign aid workers killed in Gaza?
Seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed in the Israeli air strike in Gaza.
- Lalzawmi ‘Zomi’ Frankcom, 43: Australian Relief Lead for WCK in Gaza, described as kind and selfless.
- Damian Sobol, 35: Polish aid worker who assisted people in Gaza, killed during the attack. Polish officials demanded an urgent explanation from Israel.
- Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25: Palestinian driver killed in the strike, mourned by hundreds in Rafah.
- John Chapman, 57, James (Jim) Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47: British nationals working for UK-based security firm Solace Global as part of WCK’s security team. Remembered as heroes by their families and colleagues.
- Jacob Flickinger, 33: Dual US-Canadian citizen, described as a hero by US and Canadian officials.
Arrangements are being made to transport the bodies of the foreign victims to Egypt. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the strike, calling it tragic and unintentional.
Gaza is now considered the world’s most dangerous place to deliver aid. More than 200 aid workers, mostly Palestinians, have been killed in the deadliest ever crisis for humanitarian workers, according to Islamic Relief organization.