The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed that the US government has engaged in discussions with Israel regarding the recent strike in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of at least seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen. Blinken emphasized the need for a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation into the incident.
During a news conference in Paris alongside French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné, Blinken reiterated the importance of protecting innocent civilian lives, including Palestinian children, women, men, and aid workers. He urged Israel to enhance efforts to safeguard civilians and improve the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.
Blinken expressed his condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims, as well as to those who were injured in the attack. He commended the courageous and vital work carried out by the nonprofit organization World Central Kitchen and its founder, celebrity chef José Andrés.
Highlighting the essential role of aid workers, Blinken praised their dedication in ensuring that vulnerable populations receive necessary assistance, particularly in the form of food to sustain their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Minister Séjourné condemned the strike, emphasizing that safeguarding humanitarian personnel is a moral and legal obligation that all parties involved must uphold.
