An Israeli air strike in southern Gaza has reportedly killed five people, including members of the humanitarian organization World Central Kitchen, WCK.
The Israel Defense Forces, IDF, stated that the attack targeted an individual allegedly involved in the October 7 attacks on Israel.
The incident occurred in the city of Khan Younis, where a white vehicle carrying WCK staff was struck.
Images from the scene show the car partially burned-out with its roof caved in and windows shattered.
Inside a nearby mortuary, charred belongings, including a laptop, clothing, and an ID badge bearing the WCK logo, were displayed.
The Palestinian news agency, Wafa, identified the five killed as Palestinians, three of whom were WCK employees, including the charity’s Gaza kitchen director.
However, IDF claimed the strike targeted a “terrorist” linked to the October 7 attack on Nir Oz kibbutz but acknowledged no direct evidence tying him to a specific abduction attempt.
IDF described the vehicle as “unmarked” and not involved in transporting humanitarian aid. It has called for an investigation by WCK and international organizations into the hiring of workers allegedly connected to terrorist activities.
World Central Kitchen expressed profound sorrow, confirming its staff’s deaths and announcing a pause in its Gaza operations.
“At this time, we are working with incomplete information and urgently seeking details,” the organization said, adding it had “no knowledge” of any staff’s ties to the October 7 attacks.
This marks the second fatal incident involving WCK workers this year.
In April, seven WCK staff were killed in an Israeli strike on an aid convoy, leading to widespread criticism and subsequent IDF accountability measures.
