World Central Kitchen (WCK) founder Jose Andrés has condemned an Israeli army airstrike that killed seven of his volunteers in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, while they were delivering humanitarian aid. The international community also condemned the attack and Israel admitted to a “serious error.” WCK president Erin Gore called the targeting of humanitarian organizations providing food in conflict zones “unforgivable.”
The volunteers who lost their lives were from various nationalities, including Britain, America, Poland, Australia, and Canada. This is not the first time WCK members have been victims of conflicts; a volunteer was also killed in Ukraine in 2023. WCK was founded in 2010 by Jose Andrés and has been involved in providing food aid in numerous countries affected by disasters and conflicts.
Jose Andrades’ organization has received international recognition for its work, including a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. Despite not winning the prize, Jose Andreas remains committed to providing hope and assistance to those in need around the world. In recent years, WCK has expanded its operations to Central America and the Caribbean and has become a key player in providing aid in conflict zones following controversies involving other humanitarian organizations.
WCK has filled a void left by the suspension of funding to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) by many countries, including France. The organization continues to deliver meals and provide assistance to those in need, including in the Gaza Strip. Through its dedicated work and commitment to serving those in need, WCK has made a significant impact on humanitarian efforts worldwide. Despite the challenges and risks involved in delivering aid in conflict zones, Jose Andreas and his team remain determined to provide essential support to communities facing crises.
