Israeli Drone Strike on Aid Group Condemned by Chef José Andrés
ICARO Media Group
Renowned chef and humanitarian, José Andrés, has spoken out about the Israeli drone strike that tragically killed seven workers from his aid organization, World Central Kitchen (WCK). In an exclusive interview with ABC News, Andrés expressed his deep remorse, calling the attack "unforgivable" and revealed that he would have to live with it for the rest of his life.
Andrés, the founder of WCK, argued that Israel's misconduct in its war against Hamas extends far beyond the strike on his group. He stated that the ongoing targeting of anything that moves over the last six months indicates that it is no longer a war against terrorism, but rather a war against humanity itself.
The deaths of the WCK workers in Gaza on Monday sparked global outcry, adding to an already high death toll in the conflict. According to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health, more than 33,000 people have been killed and around 76,000 injured since the war began. The United Nations has reported that nearly 200 humanitarian aid workers have lost their lives.
The Biden administration, previously supportive of Israel's campaign against Hamas, has seemingly shifted its stance in response to the tragic incident. President Joe Biden expressed being "heartbroken" by the killings and warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of potential policy changes if civilian and aid worker protections were not improved.
In his conversation with President Biden, Andrés urged the administration to change its strategy towards Israel. He emphasized that support for Israel's right to self-defense should not overshadow the need to protect innocent Palestinians. Andrés called for balanced support that acknowledges the right to life and access to basic necessities for both Israelis and Palestinians.
The chef was highly critical of Israel's extensive bombardment of Gaza, stating that the destruction of buildings, hospitals, schools, and universities is unjustifiable. Israeli officials have defended their military operations, asserting that they take steps to minimize civilian casualties and ensure unimpeded aid flow.
Moreover, Andrés questioned the supply of weapons from the Biden administration to Israel, expressing concern that these weapons could be used against American citizens involved in humanitarian work. He called for accountability and urged Israel to conduct itself at the highest possible human level.
The Israeli military conducted an investigation into the drone strike and admitted that it was a "serious violation" of their rules and lacking sufficient evidence. As a result, two officers were dismissed, two commanders were suspended, and three others were reprimanded.
While Andrés appreciated Israel's swift investigation, he echoed WCK's demand for an independent investigation. He emphasized the need for more information, including higher quality videos and a detailed analysis of the communication between officers and soldiers involved in deeming the aid convoy a target.
Andrés highlighted the advanced capabilities of the drones used in the attack, emphasizing the need to examine the video evidence and chain of command leading to the tragic incident.
The world continues to mourn the loss of the WCK workers and calls for accountability and justice remain strong. As the investigation unfolds, the international community anxiously awaits answers and the hope for a lasting resolution to the devastating conflict.
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