US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for Israel to conduct an “impartial” investigation into the recent drone strikes on a marked aid convoy belonging to the World Central Kitchen in Gaza, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven nonprofit employees.
The convoy, which included aid workers from various countries, was targeted by Israeli drones while traveling along Gaza’s coastal road. The workers, described as “heroes” by Mr. Blinken, were delivering humanitarian food aid to the region when they came under fire.
In response to the incident, Mr. Blinken emphasized the need to protect innocent civilian lives and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers who risk their lives to help others. He urged Israel to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The World Central Kitchen, founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, announced that it would be halting operations in Gaza following the drone strike. The charity expressed deep concern for the safety of its workers and stated that decisions about future operations in the region would be made soon.
The call for an investigation by Mr. Blinken follows similar demands from British Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron, who has called for Israel to immediately investigate the incident and provide a transparent explanation of what occurred.
As the international community awaits the results of the investigation, the tragic loss of life in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones.