EDITORS NOTE: Graphic content / United Nations staff members inspect the carcass of a car used by US-based aid group World Central Kitchen, that was hit by an Israeli strike the previous day in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on April 2, 2024. AFP
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Egypt’s categorical rejection of Israel's ongoing targeting of humanitarian organisations without being accountable for these flagrant violations of international law and international humanitarian law.
Egypt underscored the indispensable role played by these organisations in addressing the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
It warned that Israel's persistent violations of international laws and norms and indifference to humanitarian principles will only exacerbate the already catastrophic conditions in the strip.
The ministry added that such continued violations will represent “a disgrace to the international community, which stands unable to take a decisive and effective stance towards these violations.”
Egypt called for an urgent and thorough investigation that leads to holding those responsible for the systematic and deliberate violations of Palestinian human rights accountable.
Additionally, Egypt emphasized the importance of full compliance with all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, specifically those calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and ensuring safe and sustainable access to humanitarian aid.
Egypt emphasized the necessity to protect all humanitarian relief workers who tirelessly strive to alleviate the suffering of the Gazan population.
The World Central Kitchen confirmed on Tuesday the tragic deaths of seven of its workers as a result of the Israeli airstrike after unloading 100 tons of aid in Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza.
The victims hailed from Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, Palestine, and one dual citizen of the United States and Canada, noted the nonprofit.
In response to the incident, the WCK announced an immediate halt to its operations in the Gaza Strip and stated that decisions regarding its future work would be made soon.
“This is not only an attack against WCK, this is an attack on humanitarian organizations showing up in the most dire of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war. This is unforgivable,” said World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore.
The Israeli army has asserted carrying out “an in-depth examination at the highest levels” to uncover the circumstances of the incident.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confessed that the Israeli forces hit “innocent people,” referring to the incident as “unintentional.”
The attack on the WCK workers has triggered global condemnation, including by the United States and Britain.
Israeli attacks in the occupied Palestinian territories since October have killed around 200 humanitarian workers as of 20 March, according to figures released by the Aid Worker Security Database (AWDS).
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