6:57 a.m. ET, April 2, 2024
At least 7 aid workers killed in Israeli strike in Gaza. Here’s what we know so far
A Palestinian inspects near a vehicle where employees from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), including foreigners, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on April 2, in central Gaza.
Ahmed Zakot/Reuters
At least seven aid workers were killed by an Israeli air strike while delivering food to civilians in Gaza, according to non-profit group World Central Kitchen (WCK) and authorities in the besieged enclave.
Details are still emerging about those killed, but here’s what we know so far:
The victims: Among those killed include a dual US-Canada national, as well as people from Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, and a Palestinian, the group said.
“I am heartbroken and appalled that we – World Central Kitchen and the world – lost beautiful lives today because of a targeted attack by the IDF,” World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore said in the statement.
Saif Issam Abu-Taha, a Palestinian driver and translator working with WCK was named as one of the victims by Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Gaza.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese identified the Australian victim as Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom. “This is someone who volunteered in Australia to help people during the bushfires. This is someone who was volunteering overseas to provide aid through this charity for people who are suffering tremendous deprivation in Gaza,” Albanese said.
What Israel is saying: The Israeli military is investigating the deadly strike on WCK aid workers “at the highest levels,” Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari also said that he had spoken to WCK founder Chef José Andrés and “expressed the deepest condolences of the Israel Defense Forces to the families and the entire World Central Kitchen family.”
International response:
- The White House says it is “heartbroken and deeply troubled” by the strike and is urging Israel to investigate the incident, a spokesperson for the National Security Council says.
- Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said he had “personally” asked the Israeli Ambassador to Poland Yacov Livne for “urgent explanations.”
- The United Kingdom says it is “urgently seeking further information” on the death of a British aid worker killed in Gaza, its foreign office said on Tuesday.
- Australia has contacted Israel, the country’s prime minister Anthony Albanese said, adding that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has “requested a call-in from the Israeli ambassador to Australia” to “ask for accountability.”
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