World Central Kitchen Resumes Operations in Gaza Amid Humanitarian Crisis
Less than a month after seven staff members were tragically killed in Israeli airstrikes, World Central Kitchen has announced the resumption of its operations in Gaza. CEO Erin Gore has emphasized the dire humanitarian situation in the region, with Gaza residents facing catastrophic levels of hunger and some areas already experiencing famine.
Following the April 1 strikes in Gaza, there has been international criticism of Israel’s military actions. World Central Kitchen had temporarily paused operations in Gaza due to violations of military operating procedures, but has now resumed its mission to feed as many people as possible.
The group has already distributed over 43 million meals in Gaza and plans to deliver millions more. Israel initially cut off food, fuel, and medicine to Gaza, but has since allowed some aid to enter the region. World Central Kitchen has 276 trucks with nearly 8 million meals ready to enter Gaza, with plans for more aid from Jordan and via sea through Israel’s Ashdod Port.
Construction is underway for a third major kitchen in Gaza, named Damian’s Kitchen in honor of a staff member killed in the recent airstrikes. According to the United Nations Security Council, at least 224 humanitarian workers have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war since October.
In light of the recent events, Israel has apologized for the airstrikes and Prime Minister Netanyahu has expressed deep regret for the incident. World Central Kitchen is seeking answers and advocating for change to better protect NGO workers in humanitarian conditions.
President Biden has discussed increased delivery of humanitarian assistance in Gaza with Netanyahu, emphasizing the need for sustained progress in coordination with humanitarian organizations. The Gaza Ministry of Health reports that Israel’s military campaign has killed over 34,000 Palestinians.
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