Chef José Andrés Heartbroken: World Central Kitchen Mourns Loss in Gaza Attack

Seven members of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) team were killed in an IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) strike in Gaza while traveling in a deconflicted zone. Despite coordinating movements with the IDF, the convoy, including two armored cars branded with the WCK logo, was hit as it left a warehouse in Deir al-Balah, where they had unloaded over 100 tons of humanitarian food aid. The deceased included individuals from Australia, Poland, United Kingdom, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada, and Palestine. The IDF is conducting an investigation into the incident. As a result of the attack, WCK is pausing operations in the region. The deaths also halted the delivery of much-needed food aid into Gaza, exacerbating an already dire situation. Founded by world-renowned chef José Andrés, WCK has grown into a globally recognized organization providing immediate food relief in disaster areas and war zones. The charity's contributions rival those of much older organizations, with total contributions reaching $518 million in 2022.