Brussels 03.04.2024 “The killing by the Israeli Defence Forces of seven members of a humanitarian team of World Central Kitchen, while they were travelling to deliver food to the most vulnerable in Gaza, is appalling” reads the Joint Statement by the EU top diplomat Josep Borrell and Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič. (Photo above: illustration)

“We urge a swift implementation of the announced commitment by the Israeli authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure accountability for those who are responsible.

“We recall the Israeli obligation under International Humanitarian Law to protect humanitarian workers at all times. A high number of humanitarian workers have lost their lives since the beginning of the war in Gaza.

“The EU commends the invaluable work of the UN and all humanitarian actors to deliver lifesaving aid in extremely dire conditions in Gaza. We urge Israel to fulfil the obligation to allow a full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.

“The UNSC resolution 2728 has demanded an immediate ceasefire leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) also ordered provisional measures which are binding for the Parties. The EU expects their full, immediate and effective implementation”  the statement concluded.

Seven aid workers, including foreign nationals, from the non-profit World Central Kitchen were killed in an Israeli military strike as they were delivering food to starving civilians in Gaza.

World Central Kitchen said its aid workers were traveling in a “deconflicted zone” in two armored cars branded with the charity’s logo as well as “a soft skin vehicle.” The World Central Kitchen logo could be seen on items inside the charred interiors of the northernmost and southernmost cars. The car in the middle was left with a gaping hole in its roof, which was clearly marked with the group’s logo. All three vehicles, though far apart from each other, were on or near the Al-Rashid coastal road.

“Despite coordinating movements with the IDF [Israel Defense Forces], the convoy was hit as it was leaving the Deir Al-Balah warehouse, where the team had unloaded more than 100 tons of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza on the maritime route,” the group said in a statement.

Those killed include a dual US-Canada national, as well as people from Australia, Poland, three from the United Kingdom, and a Palestinian, the group said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel acknowledged on Tuesday a “tragic case of our forces unintentionally hitting innocent people.”