WCC condemns killing of seven WCK aid workers in Gaza

By Lisa Zengarini

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has joined the international outcry over the recent killing of seven people working for the aid charity World Central Kitchen in an Israeli air strike in Gaza.

The seven aid workers, including citizens of Australia, Britain, Poland, a  Palestinian and a dual US-Canadian citizen,  died on Monday night when their convoy bringing desperately needed food to the Palestinian population in the Strip came under fire.

An independent probe into the incident

WCK, which was founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, said its staff was raveling in two armoured cars emblazoned with the charity's logo and another vehicle, and had coordinated their movements with the Israeli military.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that the killing was a mistake and the Israeli army promised a full investigation into the incident.

The strike has prompted several charities to suspend food deliveries to Palestinians on the brink of starvation and has further boosted international pressures on Israel to take steps to ease the disastrous humanitarian situation in the besieged enclave.  

Humanitarian workers must never be targets in conflict

The World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Jerry Pillay,  condemned the killing and extended condolences to the families and friends of the victims.

Humanitarian workers must never be targets in conflict, said Pillay. "Such attacks which take the lives of innocent people are absolutely unacceptable and cannot be justified at any level,” he said. “We invite all WCC member churches to join in raising their voices in prayer for justice, peace, and reconciliation in Gaza.”

Rev. Pillay concluded his statement urging for the implementation of the 25 March UN Security Council resolution on Gaza demanding an immediate ceasefire, and the immediate release of all hostages: "These senseless killings of innocent people must stop,” he said.

About 200 aid workers killed in Gaza sicnce October 7

According to the  United Nations, about 200 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the war broke out after Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October. The latest incident  threatens to set back efforts to open a maritime corridor for aid from Cyprus to help ease the desperate conditions in Gaza.

Concern about the humanitarian catastrophe in the Palestinian enclave has deepened after the recent release of a documented report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, known as IPC, showing that the entire population of Gaza is experiencing severe food insecurity and that famine has already set in the northern part of the Strip.