CAPITALS: Israel’s killing of seven aid workers working for the U.S.-based non-governmental organization, the World Central Kitchen (WCK) which distributes food aid in the famine-prone Gaza Strip, sparked wide international condemnation.

The seven killed are from Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada, and Palestine.

The World Central Kitchen said following the killing of the seven humanitarian workers that it is pausing its operations immediately in the region.

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, called for conducting a swift and impartial investigation into the Israeli strike that killed the seven aid workers.

The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, said Israel’s killing of the seven workers is completely unacceptable. He stressed that Australia expects the perpetrators of this crime to be held fully accountable.

British Foreign Minister, David Cameron, also said that the killing of the WCK aid workers in Gaza, including three British Nationals, is co
mpletely unacceptable.

‘Israel must urgently explain how this happened and make major changes to ensure the safety of aid workers on the ground,’ he said in a post on the X platform.

Andrew Mitchell, British Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, also requested a swift and transparent investigation into their killing and demanded the results of the investigation be shared with the international community in full. He called for holding those responsible for the attack fully accountable.

The United Kingdom also summoned Israel’s ambassador in London following the killing of the seven workers.

Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, urged Israel to clarify the circumstances of the airstrike on the seven aid workers.

‘I hope and demand that the Israeli government clarifies as soon as possible the circumstances of this brutal attack that has taken the lives of seven aid workers who were doing nothing more than helping,’ Sanchez said.

Germany also urged Israel to carry out a fu
ll investigation into the strike that killed seven aid workers working for the World Central Kitchen.

“The Israeli government must investigate this terrible incident quickly and thoroughly,” she wrote on X.

‘Humanitarian workers must be able to carry out their important work safely – around the world as well as in Gaza.’ ‘Incidents like this cannot be allowed to happen,’ she added.

Polish foreign minister, Radek Sikorski, also called for an impartial investigation into the Israeli attack on a humanitarian convoy in the Gaza Strip, which resulted in the killing of seven aid workers, including a Polish citizen.

He said that he requested the Ambassador of Israel to the Republic of Poland, Yacov Livn, to provide prompt clarification into their killing, stressing that Warsaw intends to conduct an independent investigation into the matter.

The EU Foreign Policy Chief, Joseph Borell, condemned the killing of the seven WCK aid workers and urged for an investigation.

‘Despite all the demands to protect civilians
and humanitarian workers, we see new innocent casualties,’ he said in a post on X.

Spokesperson of China’s Foreign Ministry Wang Wenbin said that China opposes all acts that harm civilians, damage civilian facilities and violate international law. ‘We are appalled by and condemn the attack on international aid workers in Gaza and express deep condolences over the death of the victims.’

Jean-François Corty, vice president of Médecins du Monde, said the Israeli airstrike that killed seven workers in Gaza is “a message sent by the Israeli army” aimed at preventing humanitarian workers from intervening on the ground.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II offered his deepest condolences to the founder of World Central Kitchen (WCK). José Andrés. and the World Central Kitchen over the tragic death of their team members while delivering urgent food aid to Gazans. ‘We thank you for your sacrifice and humanity. Humanitarian agencies must be protected in Gaza.’ He said in an X post.

The United Arab Emirates also condemned, in
the strongest terms, the Israeli occupation forces targeting of the World Central Kitchen team.

The UAE held Israel fully responsible for this dangerous development and called for an urgent, independent and transparent investigation, and punishment of those who have committed this heinous crime in contravention of international humanitarian law.

The Ministry stressed the importance of an immediate ceasefire and avoiding the targeting of civilians, organizations, civilian facilities, and relief organizations. The Ministry also urged to desist from imposing restrictions on humanitarian aid, and using food as a weapon, and to immediately provide protection to humanitarian relief personnel without delay.

Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA