The originator behind World Central Kitchen, José Andrés, is asking for accountability after the passing of 7 WCK staff in Gaza during an IDF airstrike. In an exclusive discussion with Reuters, the renowned chef made a definitive statement, declaring: “It’s clear that we were singled out deliberately, persistently until all were deceased in this convoy.”
The celebrated chef then went on to request an unbiased investigation through the U.S. government and also through the authorities of each worker who tragically lost their lives. The individuals, who have been identified, came from Australia, Canada, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Palestine, as well as the United States.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the attack on the WCK staff was not planned, with the Israeli government considering it “an unfortunate event in which our troops inadvertently harmed civilians.” However, Andrés clarified during his interview that WCK had been in contact with the IDF regarding their movements and the convoy was marked with the organization’s logo.
“This was not simply an accidental occurrence where ‘whoops’ we dropped the bomb in the wrong spot. This stretched over a distance of 1.5, 1.8 kilometers, with a very specific humanitarian convoy displaying emblems on top, prominently featured, a vivid logo,” he explained, emphasizing that it was “unambiguous who we are and our purpose.”
World Central Kitchen denounced the “military attack involving multiple bombings and targeting three WCK vehicles” and urged the “Israeli authorities to immediately preserve all documents, communications, visual and/or audio recordings, as well as any other materials potentially relevant to the April 1 incidents.”
“Feeding strangers is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength. The people of Israel must remember, in this darkest hour, what true strength consists of,” José Andrés expressed in an op-ed published in the New York Times post-attack.
Image Source: José Andrés @ Instagram
