World Central Kitchen halts operations in Gaza after deadly airstrike

On November 30, 2024, an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, Gaza, resulted in the deaths of five individuals, three of whom were employees of World Central Kitchen (WCK). The Israeli military claimed that the strike targeted a militant involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel. It also suggested that this individual was affiliated with WCK, prompting calls for the charity to investigate its workforce. The charity, heartbroken by the loss, stated it had no knowledge of the deceased individuals having ties to the Hamas attack and decided to suspend its operations in the region. This incident follows a previous airstrike in April 2024, where seven of its workers were killed, similarly prompting a pause in its aid efforts at that time. The ongoing violence in Gaza has created a humanitarian crisis, exacerbating food insecurity among the population relying on WCK's services. The charity had previously played a crucial role in delivering meals to those affected by natural disasters and conflicts, further emphasizing the dire consequences of the strike for humanitarian operations in the area. With this escalation of hostilities and a growing number of casualties, both local and international organizations have voiced concern over the impact on aid delivery in Gaza, illustrating the dangers faced by humanitarian workers in the conflict zone.