The Israeli military has confirmed it struck an armed group masquerading as aid workers, using a vehicle marked with the logo of the World Central Kitchen (WCK), a US-based humanitarian organisation.
The strike, which took place last week, reportedly killed “five armed terrorists,” according to a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Tuesday.
A video released by the IDF shows at least eight men wearing yellow vests gathered around a vehicle displaying the WCK logo, with several appearing armed. The military said the group was “cynically exploiting the status and trust afforded to aid organisations.” The footage does not show the military targeting the vehicle directly.
Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) confirmed that WCK had verified the vehicle was not part of its operations.
“We strongly condemn anyone posing as World Central Kitchen or other humanitarians, as this endangers civilians and aid workers. The safety and security of our teams are our top priority,” WCK said in a statement to CNN.
The incident occurred in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, several hundred meters from an Israeli military position.
The IDF said it remains unclear which group the men belonged to or the exact number killed in the strike.
The attack comes amid mounting humanitarian concerns in Gaza, where violence and restricted aid have left at least 227 people, including 103 children, dead from malnutrition since the start of the war, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
Foreign ministers from 24 countries and the European Union issued a joint appeal on Tuesday, calling on Israel to allow unrestricted humanitarian aid into Gaza and to protect aid workers. “Famine is unfolding before our eyes,” the ministers said, urging the entry of food, medicine, clean water, and shelter supplies.
Meanwhile, UN agencies warn that more than 300,000 children in Gaza are at severe risk of acute malnutrition, with half a million people described as “on the brink of famine.” Israel has denied the existence of widespread malnutrition.
Ceasefire negotiations are ongoing, with a Hamas delegation arriving in Cairo for talks, while US envoy Steve Witkoff engaged with Qatari officials in Spain over a possible comprehensive deal to secure hostages, end the conflict, and address the humanitarian crisis.
The situation remains highly volatile as international pressure mounts for urgent aid access and a resolution to the humanitarian emergency in Gaza.
About The Author
