Biden expresses shock and sorrow over the deaths of Gaza aid workers in Israeli strike

US President Joe Biden expressed his outrage and sadness over the deaths of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen (WCK) in Gaza on Monday. The workers, including one American, were killed in an Israeli strike while providing food aid in a deconflicted zone.

The WCK convoy was hit as they were leaving a warehouse in Deir al-Balah after unloading over 100 tons of humanitarian food aid. Biden called for a swift and thorough investigation into the incident, urging Israel to be held accountable for the deaths of the aid workers.

The President highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by aid workers in delivering assistance to Gaza due to the lack of protection. He vowed to continue delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians and to push for an immediate ceasefire as part of a larger peace effort.

Biden emphasized the need for Israel to do more to facilitate aid delivery and ensure the safety of aid workers. The US is actively working towards a ceasefire agreement and has a team in Cairo dedicated to brokering a deal. The incident underscores the importance of protecting those providing crucial assistance in conflict zones.