World Central Kitchen Aid Workers Killed in Gaza Airstrike by Israel, ‘Heartbroken’ Chef Jose Andres Reveals

World Central Kitchen, a food aid nonprofit founded by renowned chef José Andrés, has recently expressed its concern and desire for further details regarding the tragic incident in Gaza.

Reports have emerged suggesting that a number of the organization's employees lost their lives in a devastating strike. Andrés expressed his admiration for the workers in a statement on social media, suggesting that their deaths were caused by an IDF air strike.

World Central Kitchen Aid Workers Killed in Apparent Israeli Airstrike

Chef Andres said in X, "Today @WCKitchen lost several of our sisters and brothers in an IDF air strike in Gaza. I am heartbroken and grieving for their families and friends and our whole WCK family. These are people...angels...I served alongside in Ukraine, Gaza, Turkey, Morocco, Bahamas, Indonesia. They are not faceless...they are not nameless. The Israeli government needs to stop this indiscriminate killing. It needs to stop restricting humanitarian aid, stop killing civilians and aid workers, and stop using food as a weapon. No more innocent lives lost. Peace starts with our shred humanity. It needs to start now."

According to The Washington Post, the Israel Defense Forces have acknowledged the reports and have committed to conducting a comprehensive review at the highest levels.

World Central Kitchen, a food aid nonprofit founded by renowned chef José Andrés, has recently expressed its concern and desire for additional details in response to reports of multiple casualties among its staff in Gaza due to an airstrike.

The group stated that it would provide additional details once it had gathered more information regarding the reported incident.

The Israel Defense Forces did not confirm responsibility for the strike, but they did express their intention to conduct a comprehensive review at the highest levels. This decision came after photos depicting the deceased aid workers started circulating on social media.

The IDF stated on the messaging platform Telegram that they are committed to facilitating the secure delivery of humanitarian aid. They have been collaborating closely with WCK to ensure that food and other essential supplies reach the people of Gaza.

Andrés established World Central Kitchen in 2010 as a prominent relief organization that operates in areas affected by natural disasters and conflicts. He frequently leverages his fame to bring attention to humanitarian crises, such as those in Ukraine and Haiti.

The organization has been actively engaged in Gaza relief efforts since Oct. 7, playing a significant role in the construction of a makeshift jetty. This jetty facilitated the transportation of 200 tons of food and water to the enclave, thanks to a ship chartered by the Spanish search-and-rescue group Open Arms.

Remaining WCK Staff on Their Way to Rafah

Four international aid workers with the World Central Kitchen charity and their Palestinian driver tragically lost their lives in an incident on Monday. The group had recently delivered a new shipment of food to northern Gaza, which has been severely impacted by Israel's offensive. This incident occurred shortly after their arrival.

Video footage revealed the presence of five deceased individuals at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the town of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. Many individuals donned protective gear featuring the charity's logo.

Staff presented the passports of three of the deceased individuals, which included nationalities from Britain, Australia, and Poland. The nationality of the fourth aid worker remained undisclosed at the time.

The Israeli military is currently conducting a review to gain a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

Mahmoud Thabet, a Palestinian Red Crescent paramedic who was part of the team that transported the bodies to the hospital, informed The Associated Press that the workers were traveling in a three-car convoy, exiting northern Gaza, when they were struck by an Israeli missile.

According to Thabet, he was informed by WCK staff that the team had been in the north, organizing the distribution of the recently received aid, and were now making their way back to Rafah in the south.

The origin of the fire could not be verified through independent means.

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Gaza