The remains of international aid workers who lost their lives in an Israeli bombardment in Gaza were transported to the Egyptian border on Wednesday. This incident inflamed global indignation as it underscored the risks endured by humanitarian personnel operating in the area. The airstrike that occurred late on Monday targeted a fleet of three vehicles, causing the death of seven members of the aid organisation, World Central Kitchen (WCK). The deceased individuals included nationals of Australia, Britain, and Poland, a dual citizen of the USA and Canada and a Palestinian co-worker who was laid to rest at his residence.
This tragic occurrence elicited a wave of denouncement from a few of Israel’s primary allies, including US president Joe Biden, who expressed strong disapproval of what he branded as “not an isolated occurrence”. Over 2 million inhabitants of Gaza are nearly entirely dependent on aid provisions almost six months into the severe blockade and invasion of the region by Israel, spurred by Hamas’s early October border assault.
In Gaza, there were demands for more decisive measures to deter Israel from prolonging a military onslaught that, according to local health departments, has resulted in over 32,000 fatalities. Marwan Al-Hams, chief of the Abu Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah, highlighted that the weaponry, funds, and equipment provided to the Israeli military by the British and American governments do not distinguish between Palestinians and other nationals.
The corpses of the international aid personnel were passed on to representatives of the United Nations at the Egyptian frontier for repatriation. After the assault, Israel admitted executing the airstrike on the fleet but claimed it was unintentional. Israel extended its acknowledgement of “profound grief” and promised a thorough independent inquiry.
The assault and invasion of Gaza by Israel were a response to the Hamas-led attack, which, per Israeli counts, resulted in the deaths of around 1200 Israelis and international citizens, with over 250 being taken hostage into Gaza. However, the magnitude of the fatalities and escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza have prompted an intensifying outcry beyond Israel. The United Nations is demanding that Israel intensify its efforts to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza to mitigate starvation and avert a potential famine.
Prior to the events that unfolded on Monday, Israeli authorities stated that there were no limitations on the delivery of aid into the enclave, pointing fingers at aid organisations for their ineffective dispersal of resources. After retreating from a prominent Gaza hospital, the Israeli army left a significant amount of destruction in their wake.
Charity organisation World Central Kitchen (WCK), established by renowned chef Jose Andres, reported that their personnel were travelling in two armoured vehicles prominently displaying the charity’s emblem, along with an extra vehicle. They had pre-planned their route in conjunction with the Israeli army.
On Wednesday, conflicts persisted in Gaza, primarily in the southern city of Khan Younis. According to health officials, an Israeli attack resulted in the deaths of three individuals. Meanwhile, in the autonomous Gaza town of Deir Al-Balah, a tank bombardment in the southeastern area killed four Palestinians, according to health authorities. This news has been reported by Reuters.