Officials report that 5 individuals, including 4 aid workers from World Central Kitchen, were killed in Gaza airstrike

An airstrike in Gaza on Monday resulted in the tragic deaths of four international aid workers and their Palestinian driver. The aid workers were members of World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, known for providing meals to those in need. The workers were on their way from Deir al-Balah to Rafah when their convoy was hit.

Among the victims were a British, Polish, and Australian worker, with the nationality of the fourth worker still unknown. The Australian victim was identified as 44-year-old Zomi Frankcom from Melbourne. The graphic images of the aid workers’ bodies, some still wearing World Central Kitchen t-shirts, were a stark reminder of the brutality of the attack.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they were conducting a thorough review of the incident and expressed their condolences to World Central Kitchen. The U.S. National Security Council also called for a swift investigation into the strike, emphasizing the need to protect humanitarian aid workers.

The strike occurred shortly after a convoy carrying food and supplies for Gaza departed from Cyprus, aiming to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in the territory. With concerns of an imminent famine in Gaza, the international community has been working to provide essential aid to the people in need.

The tragic incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability, with World Central Kitchen and its supporters mourning the loss of their colleagues. The devastating impact of the airstrike serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict in the region and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.