Israeli Airstrike in Gaza Kills Five, Affects World Central Kitchen Staff

Israeli Airstrike Kills Five in Gaza

An Israeli airstrike in Gaza reportedly killed five people. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the strike targeted an individual involved in the October 7 attacks.

The IDF stated that the person targeted also worked for World Central Kitchen (WCK). WCK expressed its sorrow over the strike, confirming that a vehicle with its staff was hit but denied any links between its employees and the October 7 attacks.

The incident took place in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa. Eyewitness accounts show a damaged white car on the roadside, with its roof caved in and partially burned.

Video footage from a mortuary displayed personal belongings from the vehicle, including a WCK ID badge. Reports by Wafa indicated that three of the five deceased were WCK employees, one being the director of its kitchens in Gaza.

The IDF insisted they targeted a "terrorist" involved in the attack on the kibbutz of Nir Oz but noted no direct connection to an abduction attempt. They monitored the individual before launching the attack, citing credible intelligence.

The IDF classified the targeted vehicle as a "civilian unmarked vehicle" that was not approved for aid transport. They have demanded WCK and the international community provide clarification regarding the employment of individuals involved in terrorist activities.

WCK stated it is in the process of gathering more information and is heartbroken by the incident. The organization plans to pause its operations in Gaza.

This follows a previous incident in April when seven WCK workers died due to an Israeli strike on an aid convoy. Following that strike, the IDF admitted to mistakes and dismissed two senior officers.