FHI 360 joins our community in expressing deep condolences to the families, colleagues and friends of all those who have lost their lives delivering lifesaving assistance to the countless innocent civilians in Gaza.
The killing of the team from World Central Kitchen has brought renewed attention to the dangers and risks aid workers face every day. And we cannot forget that at least 196 aid workers have already given their lives to ease human suffering in Gaza.
We honor the sacrifice of all aid workers — whether they are from an international organization or a community group — who have been killed in this conflict.
Aid workers are not a target.
InterAction statement on the humanitarians who have lost their lives in Gaza
Gaza has evolved into one the world’s most dangerous places for humanitarians to provide aid. As of March 20, 2024, at least 196 humanitarians have been killed in Gaza since the beginning of the war.
Today, Israeli airstrikes killed seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) team members in Gaza. The WCK team was in a deconflicted zone in cars branded with the WCK logo. Despite the coordinated efforts with the IDF, the convoy was still struck by incoming fire.
The continued attacks by the IDF on humanitarians and civilian infrastructure are not isolated incidents.
Anera’s long time staff member, Mousa Shawwa, was killed by an Israeli strike on March 8; the coordinates of his shelter were provided for deconfliction many times.
Project HOPE’s nurse, Mohammed Hamed Mansour Madi, was killed in an airstrike on his home in Gaza on March 3. He worked in their primary health clinic in Rafah around the clock to treat patients who were displaced.
On January 18, the Israeli Military struck the Medical Aid for Palestinians and the International Rescue Committee’s shared guest house in Gaza. They have reported it was likely a U.S. manufactured bomb that hit the residential compound in Al Mawasi that was considered a “safe zone” in Gaza.
On December 12, 2023, Save the Children confirmed the death their staff member Sameh Ewaida (39) following Israeli airstrikes. Sameh had been with Save the Children since 2019 and was the proud father of four children—Mohammad (12), Heba (11), Zeina (3), and Zein (2). All of his children, his wife Fatima, and many other members of his extended family of 28 are also believed to have been killed in the same airstrikes.
This must end. Humanitarians should never be a target. And, as long as humanitarians are being targeted, aid cannot get to the people in need.
The following InterAction Members have endorsed the statement:
- Doctors of the World USA
- MedGlobal
- Church World Service
- Project HOPE
- Norwegian Refugee Council USA
- Islamic Relief
- Tarjimly
- Refugees International
- FHI 360
- Americares
- Anera
- Mercy Corps
- Save the Children U.S.
- International Rescue Committee
- Medical Teams International
- Global Support and Development
- Heart to Heart International
- MedGlobal
- CORE Group
- Physicians for Peace
- WaterAid America
- GOAL
- Mennonite Central Committee
- Embrace Relief
- Helping Hand For Relief and Development
- Humanity & Inclusion
- World Renew
- Bread for the World
- UNICEF USA
- CARE
- Plan International USA
- World Institute on Disability
- Alight
- International Relief Teams
- WEEMA International
- Solar Cookers International
- Population Communication
- Syrian American Medical Society
