World Central Kitchen Founder José Andrés Makes Shocking Accusations on Israeli Forces
Image credit: Food & Wine
The founder of World Central Kitchen (WCK), José Andrés, has accused Israeli forces in Gaza of deliberately targeting his aid workers, describing the attack as systematic and intentional. The strike, which occurred on Monday and resulted in the deaths of seven WCK staff members, including individuals from Australia, Canada, Poland, the UK, the US, and a Palestinian colleague, has sparked international outrage and calls for accountability.
According to Andrés, the convoy carrying humanitarian aid was unmistakably marked with WCK logos and its movements were known to Israeli forces. Despite this, the convoy was hit by airstrikes while leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse, where it had unloaded over 100 tonnes of food aid brought to Gaza via maritime routes. Andrés emphasized that this was not a case of accidental targeting but a direct attack on clearly identifiable vehicles.
Israeli authorities have acknowledged the incident, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterizing it as an unintentional mistake of war. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have promised an independent investigation into the matter, while IDF Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi admitted that it was a grave mistake resulting from misidentification.
In response to the strike, humanitarian aid operations in Gaza have been suspended, raising concerns about the availability of essential assistance to the territory’s population. The United Nations has announced a temporary pause in nighttime movements for evaluation of the security situation.
US President Joe Biden condemned the attack, criticizing Israel for not adequately safeguarding humanitarian operations and urging deconfliction between military operations and aid efforts to prevent civilian casualties. Additionally, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed concern over the incident during a call with Netanyahu, demanding a thorough and transparent independent investigation. Sunak also called for an end to restrictions on humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians in Gaza.
The deaths of the aid workers, including three British nationals, have sparked widespread calls for accountability and justice. The international community is closely monitoring developments in the aftermath of the strike, emphasizing the importance of upholding humanitarian principles and ensuring the safety of aid workers operating in conflict zones.
As investigations into the incident continue, the focus remains on addressing the immediate humanitarian needs of the Gaza Strip while holding accountable those responsible for the tragic loss of life.
This story was originally featured on BBC News
