Three of the seven workers from World Central Kitchen killed while delivering aid in Gaza have been identified, in what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called an “unintended strike” Tuesday before later saying Israel “deeply regrets the tragic incident.” The family of Lalzawmi Frankcom, a 43-year-old from Melbourne, Australia, confirmed her death in a statement, reportedly describing her as a “kind, selfless and outstanding human being”. Damian Sobol, an aid worker from Przemyśl, Poland was another victim in the strike, as confirmed by Przemyśl’s mayor Wojciech Bakun. Three British nationals were also killed, and a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada was also killed, according to WCK, though their identity has not been confirmed.
U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron tweeted that officials are “urgently working to verify” the information, later adding that he spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz to emphasize the deaths are “completely unacceptable.” At least 196 aid workers have been killed since the start of the Israel-Hamas war as of March 20, according to a statement from Jamie McGoldrick, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory. “This is nearly three times the death toll recorded in any single conflict in a year,” McGoldrick said, referring to the death toll of aid workers.
Following the airstrike, the United Arab Emirates has reportedly paused its own aid operations until Israel can guarantee the safety of its aid workers. World leaders are demanding answers from Israel following Monday’s deadly strike. The WCK convoy was hit by Israeli forces in a “deconflicted zone” while delivering more than 100 tons of food aid in the Gazan city of Deir al-Balah, according to the organization, which has since paused operations in the region. Following the strike, celebrity chef José Andrés, WCK’s founder, said in a statement on X that Israel “needs to stop this indiscriminate killing.” The “unintended strike” is under a probe by the IDF, according to spokesperson Daniel Hagari.
Netanyahu Says ‘Unintended Strike’ By Israel Killed Seven Aid Workers In Gaza. Three British aid workers for World Central Kitchen killed in Gaza. Famine is imminent in northern Gaza, experts examining food insecurity say. The UAE pauses Gaza aid route support after Israeli strike kills humanitarian workers. These were people who were working to deliver life-saving aid to those who desperately need it,” Cameron said. “It is essential that humanitarian workers are protected and able to carry out their work.”
