Israeli machine guns target Lebanese army troops

The World Central Kitchen nonprofit, known for providing meals in war-torn Gaza, has been forced to halt its operations in the southern city of Rafah due to ongoing attacks in the area. The charity, founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, made the announcement on social media, stating that Israeli operations in Rafah have caused countless families to flee once again.

This decision comes after the charity had recently resumed its work in Gaza following a suspension of operations in April, when seven of its workers were killed in three air strikes by an Israeli drone. The deaths of workers from various nationalities sparked global outrage and raised questions about Israel’s military operations in the region.

The Israeli military has been conducting a ground assault in Rafah since May 7, intensifying the fighting in the area. A recent Israeli strike on a crowded camp for displaced people in Rafah resulted in the death of 45 individuals and left dozens wounded. Israel has launched an investigation into the strike, but denies that its munitions alone could have caused the deadly blaze.

The ongoing conflict in Rafah has made it increasingly difficult for aid agencies to deliver much-needed assistance into Gaza. Even when aid does make it into the region, challenges remain in transporting and distributing the goods to those in need.

Rik Peeperkorn, the World Health Organization’s representative in the Palestinian territories, highlighted the challenges faced in delivering aid both in the south and north of Gaza. The situation in Rafah serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region and the impact of military operations on innocent civilians.

As the situation continues to unfold in Rafah, the World Central Kitchen and other aid organizations are working tirelessly to provide support to those affected by the conflict. The international community must come together to address the root causes of the conflict and work towards a lasting peace in the region.