Statement from Israel’s Chief of Staff on the World Central Kitchen Incident
Israel’s Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, spoke this week about an attack on a convoy linked to World Central Kitchen, the nonprofit founded by chef Jose Andres. He described the strike as a grave error, emphasizing that it was not intentional and should not have occurred. Halevi was clear that the assault aimed to avoid harming humanitarian workers from the organization and that an erroneous night-time identification during wartime contributed to the tragedy. He had just been briefed on the initial conclusions of the investigation and expressed a desire for full transparency as the inquiry advances.
Halevi conveyed a deep sense of regret for the unintended harm inflicted on WCK staff. He stated that the pain of the workers and their families is shared by the entire organization and by those who know the daily realities of delivering aid in conflict zones. The defense chief underscored that the conflict at hand is between Israel and Hamas, not with Gaza’s civilian population, and promised that the investigation would be completed in the coming days with comprehensive, open reporting. He added that lessons would be learned and applied immediately to prevent repeat incidents.
In describing WCK, Halevi portrayed the organization as a global network of people who strive to do good even under difficult circumstances, including operations within Israel. He acknowledged the important partnership between the Israel Defense Forces and World Central Kitchen, highlighting the humanitarian value of their collaborative work.
Additionally, Halevi announced a visit to a newly established Humanitarian Command Center. The aim of this facility is to improve coordination in distributing aid within Gaza and to bolster protections for humanitarian workers on the ground. He affirmed ongoing efforts to ensure that humanitarian assistance continues to reach those in need while taking immediate steps to enhance safety for staff involved in relief operations.
The attack occurred the previous day in the Deir al Balá area, in central Gaza. Victims included nationals from Britain, Poland, Australia, Palestine, and a combined British-Canadian status, reflecting the international dimension of the operation. As a result, World Central Kitchen paused its activities in the enclave while the review proceeded.
WCK workers had been in Gaza engaging in humanitarian work in coordination with the organization Open Arms. Their goal was to establish a maritime humanitarian corridor between Cyprus and Gaza to circumvent the hurdles that have impeded ground-based aid deliveries arranged by Israel.
The broader military context remains intense. The Israeli forces launched a campaign against Hamas in response to the significant attacks on October 7 that resulted in a high casualty toll and numerous hostages. Palestinian authorities have since reported tens of thousands of fatalities and additional injuries linked to ongoing clashes and security operations in areas including the West Bank and East Jerusalem, with the numbers continuing to evolve as the situation develops.
The events surrounding the incident continue to shape how aid groups operate amid ongoing conflict. The focus remains on safeguarding humanitarian workers and ensuring that relief efforts can proceed without compromising security concerns in war zones. The latest official communications reiterate a commitment to accountability, transparency, and practical steps aimed at minimizing risk while sustaining the flow of essential aid to civilians in need, even in the most challenging environments. The situation underscores the delicate balance between security and humanitarian missions as the region navigates a difficult period of conflict and recovery, with many international actors watching closely for updates and long-term implications for aid access and civilian safety.