According to the United Nations, over 180 humanitarian aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the war began. On April 1st, 2024, seven World Central Kitchen workers, or “angels,” as WCK founder José Andrés described them, were killed by an IDF (Israel Defense Forces) strike in Gaza.
The team was driving in a “deconflicted zone” in two armored cars with the WCK logo on all sides of their soft-skinned vehicle. They were hit leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse, where they had unloaded more than 100 tons of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza.
As a result of the attack, several humanitarian organizations have suspended their operations in Gaza, including WCK—something which the White House has shown much concern over. In an admission of fault, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel took responsibility for the attack, saying Israeli forces had “unintentionally struck innocent people in the Gaza Strip.”
Since its initiation in 2010, WCK has provided fresh meals in response to conflict and natural disasters. Founded by Michelin-starred chef José Andrés, a native Spaniard, the humanitarian organization has fed millions worldwide. Ukraine, Haiti, Turkey, Morocco, Indonesia, and Gaza are among its most recent destinations.
Andrés posted a statement on X stating that “the Israeli government needs to stop this indiscriminate killing.” Likewise, WCK CEO Erin Gore called this “an attack against humanitarian organizations showing up in the most dire of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war.” She called the act “unforgivable.”
