The US-based World Central Kitchen, the biggest food aid provider in the Gaza Strip after the UN, said it was halting operations along with American Near East Refugee Aid, which has operated in the Palestinian territories for 55 years. The decision came after Israel’s recent strike on a convoy in central Gaza carrying aid workers. The strike killed seven WCK workers.

Also, the United Arab Emirates, which has been the main financial backer of a new maritime corridor for aid from Cyprus to Gaza in recent weeks, said it’s pausing operations pending an investigation to ensure the safety of its workers.

Till last week, WCK had delivered nearly 200 tons of food aid by sea.

The IDF strike that killed foreign nationals and sparked an international uproar has stoked fears among Israel’s allies, namely the United States, for the 1.5 million Palestinians sheltering in Rafah as the Israeli military prepares to launch an operation in what it says is the enclave’s last remaining Hamas stronghold.

US national security adviser Jake Sullivan cast doubt on Israel’s plans to evacuate residents from Rafah, saying the Israeli proposal is “not impressive and is not implementable,” according to Israel’s Channel 12.

Amid a growing furor over a looming famine in Gaza, Sullivan reportedly said, “You’re going to be responsible for the third famine crisis of the 21st century.”

Gaza/Israel: Joint Statement by High Representative and Commissioner for Crisis Management on killing of humanitarian workers

The killing  by the Israeli Defence Forces of seven members of a humanitarian team of World Central Kitchen, while they were travelling to deliver food to the most vulnerable in Gaza, is appalling.

We urge a swift implementation of the announced commitment by the Israeli authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure accountability for those who are responsible.

We recall the Israeli obligation under International Humanitarian Law to protect humanitarian workers at all times. A high number of humanitarian workers have lost their lives since the beginning of the war in Gaza.

The EU commends the invaluable work of the UN and all humanitarian actors to deliver lifesaving aid in extremely dire conditions in Gaza. We urge Israel to fulfil the obligation to allow a full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.

The UNSC resolution 2728 has demanded an immediate ceasefire leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) also ordered provisional measures which are binding for the Parties. The EU expects their full, immediate and effective implementation.