All seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen, termed as “heroes,” have been confirmed dead following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Monday.
The charity, known for its food aid delivery to areas hit by war and disasters, stated these individuals were on their way back from coordinating an aid delivery in central Gaza when they met their demise.
WCK identified the deceased as Saifeddin Issam Ayab Abutaha, 25, from Palestine; Lalzawmi Frankcom, 43, from Australia; Damian Soból, 35, from Poland; Jacob Flickinger, 33, a US-Canadian; and UK citizens John Chapman, 57, James Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47, who were killed as the IDF struck their three-vehicle convoy.
“These seven beautiful individuals were taken from us by an IDF strike as they were concluding a day’s mission,” stated WCK CEO Erin Gore on Tuesday.
The organization highlighted that Abutaha, Frankcom, Soból, and Flickinger were key members of WCK’s relief efforts, while Chapman, Henderson, and Kirby contributed to the group’s security operations.
Chapman, a former special forces commando and a father of two, was relatively new to Gaza, having arrived only a few weeks before the incident, The Sun reported.
Henderson, who had a military background including time with the Royal Marines, transitioned into security work post-military, including a stint in Iraq, before joining WCK.
Kirby, a 47-year-old ex-British Army sniper and rifleman, was known for maintaining composure under pressure and had experience providing security for high-profile events like Wimbledon and the Monaco Grand Prix.
Their deaths have sparked international outrage.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called for a “thorough and transparent investigation” by Israel into the incident.
On Tuesday, Sunak communicated with Benjamin Netanyahu, stressing the intolerable conditions in Gaza due to the loss of aid workers and civilians.
The White House expressed its outrage over the strike, highlighting the critical role WCK plays in aiding Palestinians facing severe food shortages.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledged the tragic event, committing to investigations to prevent future occurrences. The IDF claimed the attack was based on the incorrect belief that a Hamas armed member was among the aid workers.
This incident has led to WCK pausing its operations in the Palestinian territories.
The attack not only impacts WCK but also signals broader challenges for humanitarian efforts in the region, with calls for accountability and safeguards for aid workers growing louder.
The event continues the pattern of dangers faced by humanitarian worker
