World Powers Condemn Deadly Gaza Air Strike on Aid Workers

The United States and the United Kingdom led global condemnation on Tuesday after a strike in the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen, an NGO involved in delivering essential aid to the conflict-stricken area. The staff, hailing from Australia, Britain, Palestine, Poland, and the US-Canada, were killed during a mission to distribute aid received by sea.

The U.S., a key ally of Israel, expressed profound sorrow and concern over the incident, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding humanitarian workers. The U.S. National Security Council stressed the critical need for the protection of aid personnel delivering vital supplies.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the strike as “unintentional” and assured a thorough investigation by the Israeli military, with findings to be openly shared.

David Cameron, the British Foreign Secretary, and other international figures, including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, voiced their dismay and called for immediate, transparent investigations. Albanese highlighted the tragic loss of Australian volunteer Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom, praising her humanitarian spirit.

Celebrity chef Jose Andres, founder of World Central Kitchen, expressed his grief and urged the Israeli government to halt the indiscriminate violence, allow humanitarian aid, and cease targeting civilians and aid workers.

The charity confirmed that its operations were carried out in coordination with the Israeli military and had paused its activities in Gaza following the incident.

International responses also came from the EU, Poland, China, and Spain, with calls for investigations and explanations regarding the attack that targeted aid workers providing relief amidst the ongoing blockade in Gaza since the onset of war triggered by Hamas’s actions on October 7.