Israeli Airstrike in Gaza Kills 5, Halts Aid

An Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Saturday resulted in the deaths of five people, including employees of the US-based charity World Central Kitchen (WCK). Israel claimed the strike targeted a militant involved in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, who allegedly worked for WCK, but did not provide evidence. The charity expressed heartbreak and stated it had no knowledge of any ties between its workers and the attack, announcing a pause in its operations while seeking more information. The family of the alleged militant, Ahed Azmi Qdeih, denied the accusations, asserting he was committed to charitable work. This incident underscores the perilous environment for aid delivery in Gaza, amid a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflict and severe aid restrictions. Previous strikes on WCK staff and other humanitarian workers have drawn international criticism, highlighting the complexities and dangers faced by aid organizations in the region.