UPDATE – World Central Kitchen is set to resume its operations in Gaza after a four-week hiatus following the tragic deaths of seven aid workers due to Israeli air strikes. The organization, led by renowned chef José Andrés, had temporarily halted its food aid deliveries in Gaza after the incident on April 1. Despite the setback, World Central Kitchen had managed to send approximately two tons of food to the region before the unfortunate attack. With 276 trucks carrying nearly 8 million meals, the organization is prepared to resume its operations through the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza.
In a recent statement, World Central Kitchen acknowledged the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and expressed its commitment to providing food assistance to as many people as possible. The organization plans to deliver food using various means, including land, air, and sea. Additionally, World Central Kitchen has established community kitchens and high-production facilities in Rafah and Deir al Balah, with plans for a third kitchen in Mawasi.
Emphasizing the importance of community involvement, World Central Kitchen highlighted its collaboration with local Palestinians to continue its mission of providing aid. The organization mourned the loss of its staff, including U.S.-Canadian national Jacob Flickinger, in the April 1 incident. The Israeli military, acknowledging the mistake, took disciplinary action against several officers involved in the drone strikes that resulted in the tragic deaths.
Moving forward, World Central Kitchen remains dedicated to its humanitarian efforts in Gaza, working alongside the local community to address the urgent food needs in the region.
