Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Kill Two Aid Workers Amid Escalating Conflict
Two aid workers were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Saturday, with one reportedly linked to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on Israel. The strikes are the latest in a devastating military campaign in Gaza, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives and left large parts of the region in ruins.
Airstrikes Target Alleged Hamas Operatives
Palestinians evacuate the wounded following an Israeli aerial bombing on Jabaliya, near Gaza City, Wednesday, Oct.11, 2023 (AP Photo/Mohammad Al Masri)
The Israeli military reported targeting Ahed Azmi Qdeih, an engineer and aid worker with the U.S.-based World Central Kitchen (WCK), alleging his involvement in the October 7 attacks on Kibbutz Nir Oz. However, no evidence was provided to substantiate these claims. Qdeih’s family vehemently denied the allegations, describing him as a dedicated humanitarian with no ties to Hamas. “This is an attempt to justify his unlawful killing,” they said.
World Central Kitchen confirmed the airstrike but distanced itself from the accusations. “We are heartbroken to share that a vehicle carrying World Central Kitchen colleagues was hit by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza,” the charity said in a statement, adding that they had no knowledge of any connection between their staff and the Hamas-led attacks.
The airstrike also led the organization to pause its operations in Gaza, with WCK stating that it was urgently seeking more information about the incident. The official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that three charity workers were killed, while medics stated that five people in total died in the attack.
Later the same day, Save the Children announced the death of Ahmad Faisal Isleem Al-Qadi, a 39-year-old staff member, in another airstrike in Khan Younis. It remains unclear if Qdeih and Al-Qadi were killed in the same attack.
There are not strong enough words to express the grief and outrage we feel at the loss of Ahmad,” said Inger Ashing, Save the Children’s CEO. “He was a valued member of our team and loved by all who met him.
The airstrikes in Khan Younis also claimed the lives of at least nine Palestinians when a vehicle near a crowd receiving flour was hit. According to medics, the vehicle was being used by security personnel overseeing aid deliveries.
The Israeli military maintains that it does not target civilians and accuses Hamas of using civilian infrastructure as shields. However, Palestinian officials report a staggering number of civilian casualties. Overnight and into Saturday, at least 32 Palestinians were killed in airstrikes across Gaza, including seven in a strike on a house in central Gaza City.
Gaza health officials say the ongoing Israeli campaign has killed over 44,000 people and displaced nearly the entire population at least once.
As the violence continues, efforts to broker a ceasefire have resumed. Hamas leaders arrived in Cairo on Saturday for discussions with Egyptian officials, following the U.S.’s announcement to revive diplomatic efforts involving Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
Hamas is reportedly seeking an agreement that would secure the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that the military campaign will not end until Hamas is completely eradicated.
The conflict, which began over 13 months ago following Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in the abduction of over 250 hostages, has devastated Gaza. The enclave’s infrastructure lies in ruins, and humanitarian organizations warn of an escalating crisis for the population.
By Ioana Constantin
