Cluj, Romania – World Central Kitchen (WCK) mourns the loss of seven of its aid workers who were tragically killed in an Israeli military strike in Gaza. The international community has come forward with condemnation over the incident, as the details of the strike continue to unfold.
Amongst those killed were individuals from various nationalities, including a dual US-Canadian national, a Palestinian, three Brits, an Australian, and a Pole. The CEO of WCK, Erin Gore, paid tribute to them as heroes, highlighting their dedication to the organization’s mission and the impact they made with their work.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging it as a grave mistake and emphasizing that harming aid workers was not their intention. The IDF has stated that an investigation is underway to understand the circumstances surrounding the strike.
The loss of the three British aid workers, John Chapman, James “Jim” Henderson, and James Kirby, has left a profound impact on their families and colleagues. Their contributions to WCK’s security team were significant, with Kirby being remembered as a military veteran who served in Afghanistan and Bosnia.
The tragic incident also claimed the lives of four other individuals who were part of the relief team. Among them was the youngest casualty, Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, who was recognized for his volunteer work and dedication to helping others in need.
As the world comes to terms with the loss of these dedicated aid workers, calls for accountability and justice have been made. WCK has urged several governments, including Australia, Canada, the US, Poland, and the United Kingdom, to support an independent investigation into the strikes that led to the deaths of their colleagues.
The impact of the loss of these aid workers extends beyond borders, as their legacy of compassion and service continues to inspire those around the world. The pause in operations in Gaza serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and sacrifices that humanitarian workers face in conflict zones.