NGOs decry lack of security amid systematic attacks by Israeli forces
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Despite the tragic loss, aid organizations, including the US-based food charity World Central Kitchen (WCK), have expressed their commitment to continuing their operations in Gaza.
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Bodies of the foreign aid workers killed in a recent Israeli airstrike in Gaza, are seen on an ambulance as it crosses the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, April 3, 2024 (AP)
A devastating Israeli strike that claimed the lives of seven humanitarian workers in Gaza has prompted aid groups to call for urgent action from the international community, AFP reports.
They say that "Israel" is conducting a campaign of "systematic" attacks on civilians and NGOs alike, noting that the recent aggression on aid workers should serve as a pivotal moment to call for comprehensive change.
Despite the tragic loss, aid organizations, including the US-based food charity World Central Kitchen (WCK), have expressed their commitment to continuing their operations in Gaza.
However, they highlight growing challenges, particularly with the coordination system aimed at safeguarding aid workers from Israeli strikes.
Read more: WHO chief condemns killing of foreign aid workers in Gaza
Jan Egeland of the Norwegian Refugee Council, told AFP: "Israel has now killed more aid workers in Gaza than all other armies, militias, and terrorists in all other wars combined."
Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam's policy adviser for the Palestinian territories, said: "There's been a deliberate and systematic assault on humanitarian aid efforts, including humanitarian aid workers," adding: "We've seen a systematic disregard for the de-confliction system," she added.
Benjamin Gaudin, heading the Middle East operations for Premiere Urgence Internationale, a French-based NGO, stated that despite the considerable challenges of operating in Gaza, his organization currently has no immediate intentions of withdrawing.
"This attack is catastrophic not only for the World Central Kitchen but also for the entire humanitarian community," said Gaudin. "So far it hasn't guaranteed the safety of the organizations, because many incidents have occurred despite this system being put in place," he said.
According to the United Nations, the deadliest Gaza genocide to date has resulted in the deaths of almost 200 humanitarian workers, with over 175 of them being UN personnel.
Read more: UK condemns WCK aid workers' deaths; Canada calls for probe
The WCK workers were killed inside their vehicle on Monday by a targeted Israeli airstrike. The aggression occurred despite them being in a deconflicted zone and there being coordinated movement with the Israeli army.
"Israel" claimed they were killed in error despite bombing them three consecutive times.
US President Joe Biden expressed outrage over the matter but did not directly condemn Israeli actions.
