Israeli airstrike in Gaza kills 7 aid workers from US-based NGO World Central Kitchen

An Israeli airstrike in Deir al-Bala, Gaza has struck a convoy of World Central Kitchen aid workers, resulting in the tragic loss of seven lives - including nationals from Australia, Poland, the UK, a dual US-Canada citizen, and Palestine. World Central Kitchen chief Jose Andres said on social media X that the NGO "lost several of our sisters and brothers in an IDF air strike in Gaza. I am heartbroken and grieving for their families and friends and our whole WCK family". Gaza's health ministry also confirmed that the bodies of four foreign aid workers and their Palestinian driver were brought to the hospital in central Gaza's Deir al-Balah after an Israeli strike targeted their vehicle. The attack drew immediate condemnation from various countries, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who demanded accountability, emphasising the attack’s unacceptable nature and its violation of international laws governing armed conflict and the protection of humanitarian workers. The Israeli military said in a statement that it was "conducting a thorough review at the highest levels to understand the circumstances of this tragic incident", adding that it had been "working closely with WCK" in the effort to provide aid to Palestinians. World Central Kitchen has been involved in delivering the aid arriving by boat from Cyprus, and in the construction of a temporary jetty in Gaza.