Seven people working for celebrity chef, Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen who were of Australian, British and Polish nationalities were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Monday.
According to WCK, they were reportedly travelling in two armored cars emblazoned with the WCK logo and another vehicle. The staff which also included Palestinians and a dual citizen of the United States and Canada.
Erin Gore, Chief Executive of World Central Kitchen said, “This is not only an attack against WCK, this is an attack on humanitarian organizations showing up in the direst of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war.”
WCK said in a statement that despite coordinating movements with the Israeli Defence Force, the convoy was hit as it was leaving its Deir al-Balah warehouse, after unloading more than 100 tons of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza by sea.
“The IDF makes extensive efforts to enable the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, and has been working closely with WCK in their vital efforts to provide food and humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza,” says the Israeli military.
Andres, in 2010 started WCK, by sending cooks and food to Haiti after an earthquake, earlier said he was heartbroken and grieving for the families and friends of those who died.
“The Israeli government needs to stop this indiscriminate killing,” he said on social media.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also confirmed the death of 44-year-old aid worker Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom and said his government had contacted Israel to demand those responsible be held accountable.
“This is a human tragedy that should never have occurred, that is completely unacceptable and Australia will seek full and proper accountability,” he told a press conference on Tuesday.
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