World Central Kitchen resumes aid in Gaza after deadly airstrike

World Central Kitchen (WCK) has announced its decision to resume distributing food in Gaza, nearly a month after seven of its aid workers were tragically killed in an Israeli airstrike. The aid organisation revealed that it has 276 trucks loaded with eight million meals ready to enter through the Rafah crossing.

The charity’s CEO, Erin Gore, emphasized the importance of continuing their mission to provide food to those in need, stating, “Ultimately, we decided we must keep feeding.” Despite the devastating loss of their colleagues, WCK is determined to carry on with their humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

The Israeli Defense Forces acknowledged “grave mistakes” that led to the fatal strike against the aid workers and took action by dismissing two senior officers over the incident. The IDF admitted that a series of errors and miscommunications resulted in the workers being mistaken for Hamas operatives and targeted in the airstrike.

In response to the tragedy, WCK is calling for an impartial and international investigation into the deaths of the aid workers, which included individuals from various nationalities. The charity is seeking answers and advocating for change to better protect NGO workers serving in challenging humanitarian conditions.

Despite the risks involved, WCK remains one of the main suppliers of aid in Gaza, having provided over 43 million meals since the conflict began in October. The decision to resume operations reflects the charity’s unwavering commitment to serving those in need, even in the face of adversity.

The announcement from WCK comes as Israel’s military plans to increase the amount of aid entering Gaza in the coming days. Spokesperson Rear Adm Daniel Hagari stated that more food, water, medical supplies, and shelter equipment will be sent to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in the region.

Additionally, Israel is collaborating with US Central Command to construct a temporary maritime pier, allowing for more efficient distribution of aid from ships to the shore. The United Nations has warned of an impending famine in Gaza, with children already suffering from starvation.

The current conflict between Hamas and Israel has resulted in a significant loss of life, with thousands of civilians killed in the violence. The ongoing war has taken a toll on the people of Gaza, making the humanitarian efforts of organizations like WCK even more crucial in providing essential support to those in need.

As WCK prepares to resume its operations in Gaza, the charity’s dedication to serving the vulnerable populations in the region remains unwavering. Despite the challenges and risks involved, the commitment to providing food and aid to those in need continues to drive their mission forward.