The World Central Kitchen (WCK) announces it is pausing its operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah due to ongoing attacks. This decision follows Israel’s resumption of airstrikes on Rafah on Wednesday, which came after a devastating airstrike over the weekend that killed dozens of civilians.
The recent escalation has severely impacted humanitarian efforts in the region. WCK had only recently resumed its activities in Gaza after an Israeli airstrike in April killed seven of its aid workers. The organization expresses deep concern for the safety of its remaining staff and the civilians they aim to help.
“Given the current security situation, we must prioritize the safety of our team and the people we serve,” WCK states in a recent release. “We hope to resume our operations as soon as it is safe to do so.”
The situation in Rafah has become increasingly dire. On Tuesday, over a dozen aid organizations reported that Israel’s military operations have “all but crumbled” their capacity to respond to the humanitarian crisis. These groups highlight the severe restrictions and dangers they face, making it nearly impossible to provide essential services and aid to the affected populations.
The renewed violence and subsequent suspension of WCK’s operations underscore the fragile and volatile nature of humanitarian work in conflict zones. The pause in aid delivery comes at a critical time when the people of Rafah are in desperate need of assistance.
International calls for a ceasefire and renewed efforts to protect civilians and aid workers have intensified. Humanitarian organizations urge all parties to respect international laws and ensure the safety and passage of aid to those in need.
As the conflict continues, the global community watches closely, with many advocating for immediate measures to de-escalate the violence and support humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
