DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Israel is facing criticism from some of its closest allies after seven aid workers were killed in airstrikes in Gaza. This led to an international charity pausing food deliveries to help Palestinians in need and raising concerns about the humanitarian crisis in the area.
The deaths of the World Central Kitchen workers have jeopardized efforts by the U.S. and other countries to create a sea route for aid from Cyprus to alleviate the near-starvation conditions in northern Gaza.
Ships carrying about 240 tons of aid from the group were turned away from Gaza shortly after arriving, as reported by Cyprus. Other humanitarian organizations also halted their operations in Gaza after the airstrikes, citing concerns for safety. Israel has only allowed a small amount of food and supplies into the devastated northern Gaza, where experts warn that famine is imminent.
The victims of Monday night’s strikes included three British citizens, as well as individuals from Poland, Australia, Canada, and the U.S. and Canada. These countries have been strong supporters of Israel’s nearly 6-month-long offensive in Gaza, and several of them heavily condemned the killings.
Israel is already facing increased isolation due to mounting international criticism of the Gaza assault. On the same day as the deadly airstrikes, Israel heightened concerns by reportedly attacking Iran’s consulate in Damascus, resulting in the deaths of two Iranian generals. The government also moved to shut down a foreign media outlet — Qatari-owned Al Jazeera television.
The attack on the charity’s convoy also emphasized what critics have described as Israel’s indiscriminate bombing and lack of consideration for civilian casualties in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted that the military had carried out an “unintended strike … on innocent people.” He stated that officials were investigating the incident and would work to prevent it from happening again.
World Central Kitchen stated that it had coordinated with the Israeli military regarding the movement of its vehicles. Three separate vehicles were targeted in quick succession. They were left completely destroyed and twisted, indicating multiple deliberate strikes.
At least one of the vehicles had the charity’s logo printed on its roof to make it identifiable from the air, and the bombs created a large hole in the roof. Footage showed the bodies at a hospital in the central Gaza town of Deir al-Balah, with some wearing protective gear featuring the charity’s logo.
Israeli TV reported that the initial military investigation found that the army had identified the vehicles carrying World Central Kitchen’s workers as they arrived at its warehouse in Deir al-Balah and observed suspected militants nearby. Half an hour later, the vehicles were attacked by the air force as they headed south. Reports stated that it was unclear who ordered the strikes or the reasoning behind them.
