By Agence France-Presse
Published December 1, 2024 | 2:23 AM
World Central Kitchen (WCK), a US-based humanitarian organization, announced it is pausing its operations in Gaza after an Israeli airstrike hit a vehicle carrying its workers.
Incident Details
The airstrike, which occurred in Khan Yunis, reportedly killed five individuals, including three WCK workers, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. The vehicle, marked with the WCK logo, was struck while traveling in the area.
The Israeli military confirmed the death of a Palestinian WCK employee, accusing them of being a “terrorist” involved in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. WCK stated it had “no knowledge” of any worker having ties to the attack and has called for clarity on the matter.
WCK Response
In a statement, WCK confirmed the strike and said it is working urgently to gather more information. The organization did not confirm the deaths of its workers but stated its operations are paused due to the incident.
Israeli Military Statement
The Israeli military alleged that the targeted vehicle was “unmarked” and not coordinated for aid transportation. It has requested an urgent review from WCK regarding the employment of individuals allegedly linked to militant activities.
Ongoing Conflict Impact
This incident is part of a broader conflict that has seen devastating humanitarian consequences:
- Aid Worker Deaths: The UN reports 333 aid workers have been killed since October 2023, including 243 employees of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).
- Casualties in Gaza: Gaza’s health ministry reports 44,382 deaths in the ongoing Israeli offensive, figures the UN deems reliable.
The strike underscores the escalating challenges faced by humanitarian organizations operating in conflict zones.