RAMALLAH, Wednesday, April 03, 2024 (WAFA) – The Palestinian Minister of Relief Affairs today strongly condemned the  killing of seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen (WCK) which distributes food aid in the famine-prone Gaza Strip, in the Gaza Strip following an Israeli airstrike that targeted their vehicle.

The seven killed are from Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada, and Palestine.

The World Central Kitchen said following the killing of the seven humanitarian workers that it is pausing its operations immediately in the region.

The Ministry called for an immediate international investigation in this war crime against aid workers.

Since October 7, the Israeli army killed around 170 Palestinian relief and aid workers, and has been hindering the access and movement of humanitarian aid, which is severely affecting the health and nutritional conditions of the residents of the Gaza Strip particularly those residing in Gaza City and the north.

Additionally, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip while waiting for food supplies and aid assistance, added the Ministry. 

The Ministry called the Palestinian Authority, chaired by President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammed Mustaf to make free access of food supply and humanitarian assistance for the residents of the Strip and to immediately stop the ongoing war that has led to a humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip.

US-based aid group World Central Kitchen confirmed in a press statement that seven of its team members were killed in a targeted attack by the Israeli military tanks and warplanes.

The organization called on Israel to stop “this indiscriminate killing” in Gaza.

Y.S