On Monday, April 1st, the World Central Kitchen convoy was hit by an Israeli airstrike. Seven workers were killed while en route to provide aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
Since October, there have been around 196 humanitarian workers killed in Palestinian territories. When asked if Israel has taken steps to improve the protection of civilians, Pentagon’s Press Secretary, Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder responded, “Not enough has been done.”
The concerns have been high as the civilians haven’t been able to get the support they need. Safety isn’t guaranteed in a war zone, but precautions must be taken.
IDFs Statement on World Central Kitchen
In a video statement, Israeli’s military Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Hernzi Halevi, said, “The strike was not carried out to harm WCK aid workers. It was a mistake that followed a misdirection – at night during a war in very complex conditions. It shouldn’t have happened.”
Since the conflict started, there have been around 25,000 civilian deaths in Gaza, the majority being women and children. While not all are at the hands of the IDF. Israel and the United States are working on measures to lower the rate of innocent deaths.
Currently, in Gaza, the civilian casualties are high, while the humanitarian aid is low. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III stated, “We need an immediate increase in assistance to avert famine.” A means to bring assistance is currently underway.
Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore Capability
The U.S. Central Command is currently conducting a mission with the 7th Transportation Brigade from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, to deploy JLOTS. The mission will include building a pier, an approximately 1,800-foot-long causeway attached to the shore.
JLOTS are expected to be operational by the end of May. The DOD will be working with NGOs to discuss delivery and distribution options. Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said, “Once operational, the capability would be to send 2 million meals a day to Gaza.” Being a war zone and to help the operations run safely, Israel has agreed to provide on-shore security.
Even with the heightened threat, Maj. Gen. Ryder confirms that the mission is still a go with no changes and that Israel is an important partner in providing security. The Department of Defense focuses on four primary areas: the citizens, the release of hostages, future terrorist attacks, and broader regional security.
