US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed his outrage over the Israeli strike on a World Central Kitchen humanitarian aid convoy during a call with his Israeli counterpart on Wednesday. The strike, which occurred on Monday, targeted a returning aid convoy and resulted in casualties, including individuals from various nationalities.
Austin emphasized the importance of taking immediate and concrete steps to protect aid workers and Palestinian civilians in Gaza. He highlighted the repeated coordination failures with foreign aid groups and stressed the need for enhanced measures to ensure the safety of those providing humanitarian assistance in the region.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the incident and stated that it was a grave mistake, emphasizing that there was no intention to harm the aid workers. An investigation into the strike is currently underway to determine the circumstances that led to the tragic event.
During the call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Austin raised concerns about the potential impact of the strike on ongoing humanitarian efforts in Gaza. He warned against the escalation of military operations in specific areas and underscored the importance of evacuating Palestinian civilians and facilitating the flow of humanitarian aid.
Austin also highlighted the challenges posed by the strike in terms of providing essential assistance to the affected population. He expressed worries about the risk of famine in northern Gaza and emphasized the need for sustained efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The incident has sparked international concern and calls for accountability to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Both US and Israeli officials are working to address the aftermath of the strike and ensure the safety and well-being of aid workers and civilians in Gaza.
