At least two aid workers were killed during airstrikes conducted by Israel on Gaza on Saturday, media reports said.Over the weekend, Gaza witnessed a heartbreaking loss as Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least two aid workers. The strikes, which took place on Saturday, have raised significant concerns about the safety of humanitarian personnel in conflict zones.
Israel has asserted that one of the victims was a ‘terrorist’ involved in the October 7 Hamas attack. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified the individual as Hazmi Kadih, who was reportedly affiliated with the World Central Kitchen, a U.S.-based charity. “Earlier today, the IDF struck a vehicle with a terrorist, Hazmi Kadih, who took part in invading Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 massacre,” the IDF stated on X. This action followed credible intelligence about his location.
World Central Kitchen Responds to Loss
The World Central Kitchen swiftly acknowledged the tragic event. In a statement on X, the organization expressed deep sorrow: “We are heartbroken to share that a vehicle carrying World Central Kitchen colleagues was hit by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.” They further clarified, “World Central Kitchen had no knowledge that any individual in the vehicle had alleged ties to the October 7th Hamas attack.”
In light of the incident, World Central Kitchen has decided to pause its operations in Gaza. This decision underscores the organization’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its staff amidst escalating tensions. The pause will allow for a thorough review of security protocols to prevent future tragedies.
- Key Points:
- The IDF claims Hazmi Kadih was involved in terrorist activities.
- World Central Kitchen was conducting humanitarian work in Gaza.
- Operations in the region are now on hold pending further investigation.
Save the Children Mourns Another Loss
In a separate but related incident, Save the Children reported the death of Ahmad Faisal Isleem Al-Qadi during an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis. This marks the second staff member from the organization to lose their life in the ongoing conflict.
Ahmad, 39, had been part of the administrative team in Gaza since May 2024. The organization shared that he was returning home to his family when the strike occurred. “Ahmad was on his way back to his wife and three-year-old daughter from the mosque,” the statement read. The attack in Khan Younis resulted in at least 17 fatalities across two separate strikes on Saturday.
Impact on Humanitarian Efforts in Gaza
The continued airstrikes have severely disrupted humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Organizations on the ground are facing immense challenges in delivering aid amid the volatile security situation. The loss of aid workers not only affects their families and organizations but also hampers the provision of essential services to the civilian population.
| Organization | Number of Staff Killed | Location |
|---|---|---|
| World Central Kitchen | 1 | Gaza |
| Save the Children | 1 | Khan Younis |
The international community has called for increased protection of humanitarian workers to ensure that aid can reach those in desperate need without further loss of life.
Uncertainty Surrounds the Airstrikes
It remains unclear whether the two aid workers were killed in the same airstrike or in separate incidents. The chaotic nature of the conflict makes it difficult to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding each attack. Both organizations have emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in the wake of these tragedies.
The IDF’s actions have sparked debates about the targeting of individuals associated with humanitarian efforts. Critics argue that such strikes undermine the work of aid organizations and jeopardize the safety of their personnel.
