President Joe Biden expressed deep concern and sadness over the tragic incident in Gaza, where seven aid workers lost their lives. His remarks reflect a strong stance on the matter, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
In a statement released by the White House, Biden said bluntly that Israel is not going far enough in its fight against Hamas to protect defenseless people.
Biden Urges Action After Aid Workers Killed in Gaza
Aid workers have tragically suffered in this latest confrontation between Israel and Hamas, making it one of the worst in recent memory.
Biden stated that he was deeply worried about the growing number of humanitarian workers who have perished and emphasized that these kinds of things should never happen. He added that Israel must put protecting people and relief workers in Gaza first.
Biden called for a swift and transparent investigation into the attack, underscoring the importance of accountability and the publication of its findings. He affirmed the United States' unwavering commitment to delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza through all available means, according to the Guardian.
Furthermore, the US President revealed ongoing efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire as part of a broader hostage deal, with a dedicated team working towards this goal in Cairo.
Jamie McGoldrick, the top UN official responsible for coordinating humanitarian aid in Gaza, solemnly stated that over 200 aid workers have tragically lost their lives since the outbreak of hostilities.
He emphasized that the attack on World Central Kitchen was not an isolated incident, pointing out that the number of humanitarian casualties in Gaza over the past six months surpasses the death toll of any other single conflict in a year.
The identity of one of the victims was revealed by WCK, which named Jacob Flickinger as a dual US-Canada citizen who was working for the organization when he was killed in the attack.
In response to the shocking incident, several charities, including WCK, announced the suspension of their operations in Gaza, according to The Guardian.
Read Also: US 'Outraged' After Israel Confirms 'Unintentional' IDF Strike Killed Gaza Aid Workers: Kirby
Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
The decision raised concerns about worsening humanitarian conditions in the territory, where the number of people facing extreme hunger has almost doubled since December, according to Oxfam.
Gaza's health ministry also reported that at least 27 children have died from malnutrition. Biden reiterated his opinion that Israel has not done enough to protect civilians and relief workers in Gaza.
He underlined that to reduce civilian losses, the United States has continuously asked Israel to guarantee that military operations against Hamas are kept apart from humanitarian activities. Biden promised to keep putting pressure on Israel to take more steps to make it easier for supplies to reach Gaza.
During a conversation with WCK founder Jose Andres, President Biden expressed his condolences and admiration for the organization's tireless and heroic endeavors to provide food assistance to vulnerable populations worldwide.
As concerns about the security and welfare of humanitarian workers and residents in Gaza grow, the international community is looking to Israel for stronger security protocols and coordinated efforts to address the humanitarian situation.
Expectations for an early truce and a long-term settlement to the crisis endure as investigations deepen and cries for accountability become more audible, Reuters reported.
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