US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are scheduled to have their first phone call since a tragic Israeli strike on a humanitarian convoy claimed the lives of seven aid workers in Gaza.
The strike, which targeted US-based World Central Kitchen employees, occurred as they were distributing essential food supplies to a population on the brink of famine.
Expressing his outrage and sorrow, President Biden has been at the forefront of global condemnation following the attack.
A US official confirmed the upcoming call between Biden and Netanyahu, highlighting the significance of the dialogue after the tragic incident.
Among those killed in the strike were individuals from various nationalities, including Palestinians, Australians, Poles, American-Canadians, and Britons.
Biden’s increasingly pointed remarks and call for more excellent protection of aid workers and civilians underscore growing frustrations with Israel’s conduct in its conflict with Hamas.
Israel acknowledged responsibility for the strike, attributing it to a mistake, and pledged to maintain transparent communication with international relief organizations.
However, Biden stressed that the attack, which struck WCK-branded vehicles despite coordination efforts with Israeli forces, was not an isolated event.
The toll on aid workers in Gaza has reached alarming levels, with nearly 196 casualties recorded in the ongoing conflict, according to a UN coordinator.
A spokesperson for the US National Security Council highlighted the strike as indicative of broader challenges in aid distribution within Gaza.
Despite the criticism, the White House reiterated its support for Israel’s right to self-defence and affirmed no plans to halt arms shipments to the country.
The tragic deaths on Monday have raised concerns about the safety of aid deliveries as Gaza grapples with an escalating hunger crisis.
WCK suspended its regional operations and redirected ships carrying supplies back to their port amid safety concerns.
Other humanitarian groups have also reassessed their operations in Gaza, with the UN pausing nighttime movements for security evaluations.
The International Committee of the Red Cross expressed alarm over the dangers faced by aid organizations in carrying out their work.
Meanwhile, WCK has called for an independent investigation into the strikes, urging several governments to join efforts to determine the circumstances and ensure accountability.
The charity emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in preventing future attacks on humanitarian workers.
The threat to Gaza’s aid supply comes amidst an already dire situation, with the entire population struggling to access sufficient food.
In Gaza City, residents endure hardships, including sleeping outdoors, to secure necessities like flour.
Israel’s restrictions on aid deliveries to Gaza have further compounded the crisis, with convoys dwindling and access to essential supplies diminishing.
Last week, Israel informed the UN agency for Palestinian refugees of restrictions on convoys to the north, exacerbating food shortages in the region.
Food scarcity in Gaza has reached critical levels, with many residents consuming significantly fewer calories than recommended for sustenance.
International organizations like Oxfam have raised alarm over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for increased aid and access.
As calls for accountability and support for Gaza’s vulnerable population grow louder, the Biden administration faces mounting pressure to address the crisis and seek a path towards lasting peace in the region.
