An Australian aid worker was among five employees from the World Central Kitchen (WCK) non-governmental organisation killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.
According to the Gaza government media office on Monday, the incident occurred in central Gaza’s Deir al-Balah and claimed the lives of citizens from Poland, Britain, and one Palestinian.
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The workers’ car was reportedly hit by an Israeli strike just after crossing from northern Gaza.
The incident took place shortly after the worker helping deliver aid that had arrived hours earlier on a ship from Cyprus, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent Association.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) released a statement indicating they are conducting a thorough review at the highest levels to understand the circumstances of the tragic incident.
“The IDF makes extensive efforts to enable the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, and has been working closely with WCK in their vital efforts to provide food and humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza,” said in the statement.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed “concern over the loss of life” in Gaza, stating that the Australian government has been advocating for a sustainable ceasefire and the protection of civilians.
“We’ve called for the release of hostages, and there have been far too many innocent lives- Palestinian and Israeli – lost during the Gaza -Hamas conflict,” Mr Albanese said.
Mr Albanese has called for “full accountability” from the Israeli government over the tragedy.
He says the death of the Australian aid worker is “completely unacceptable” and “beyond any reasonable circumstances”.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) revealed that it was urgently seeking to confirm the report of the Australian aid worker’s death in Gaza.
“We have been clear on the need for civilian lives to be protected in this conflict,” a spokesperson said.
“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”
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