Seven humanitarian aid workers with the World Central Kitchen were killed by Israeli Defense Forces in Gaza on Monday. Chef Jose Andres, the founder of World Central Kitchen, emphasized in a guest essay for the New York Times that the organization has been providing meals to both Israelis and Palestinians since the beginning, with over 1.75 million hot meals having been served throughout Israel. Additionally, he criticized Israel's conduct during the conflict, claiming they are 'better' than what they're portraying to the international community.
Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, John Chapman, Jacob Flickinger, Zomi Frankcom, James Henderson, James Kirby, and Damian Sobol put themselves at the forefront of a relentless war, risking their lives to share the necessity of food with starved Palestinians in besieged territory.
They collectively shared the belief that food is a universal human right that should not be used as a weapon of war, regardless of the circumstances.
Their one mission was to serve those in critical and dire need of aid.
Their efforts also tended to families displaced by Hezbollah rockets in the north and grieving families from the south, as well as delivering meals to hospitals where hostages were reunited with their families.
Andres revealed that his team communicated extensively with Israeli military and civilian offices, also working closely with community leaders in Gaza and Arab nations in the region, as there is no other way to bring a ship full of food to Gaza without a series of mediations.
"We know Israelis. Israelis, in their heart of hearts, know that food is not a weapon of war," he expressed.
"Israel is better than the way this war is being waged. It is better than blocking food and medicine for civilians. It is better than killing aid workers who had coordinated their movements with the Israel Defense Forces."
The renowned chef offered up some advice to the Israeli government, suggesting the need to open more land routes for food and medicine and to stop killing civilians and aid workers.
He believes it's time for Israel to "show up."
You cannot save the hostages by bombing every building in Gaza, and you cannot win this war by starving an entire population, Andres continued.
An investigation has allegedly been promised by the government to explain how and why members of the World Central Kitchen family were killed.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chimed in on the IDF killings, remarking, "It happens in war."
The aid workers were en route from a delivery of almost 400 tons of aid by sea, attempting to help the desperate condition Palestinians in Gaza currently live under.
According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification global initiative, half the population of Gaza - 1.1 million people - faces the imminent risk of famine.
"It is not a sign of weakness to feed strangers; it is a sign of strength. The people of Israel need to remember, at this darkest hour, what strength truly looks like," the founder concluded.
