U.S. Defense Secretary: Israel Must Take 'Concrete Steps' to Protect Aid Workers and Civilians

On Wednesday, April 3, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed his 'anger' during a phone call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant regarding the Israeli military's attack in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of seven staff members of the 'World Central Kitchen.' According to a report released by the U.S. Department of Defense on this conversation, Austin demanded that 'immediate concrete steps be taken to protect aid workers and Palestinian civilians in Gaza following repeated failures in coordination with foreign aid groups.' The statement further noted the deaths of the seven World Central Kitchen staff members, with Austin asking Gallant to conduct a swift and transparent investigation, share the findings publicly, and hold those responsible accountable. The non-governmental organization 'World Central Kitchen,' based in Washington, announced on Monday, April 1, that seven of its staff were killed following an Israeli airstrike on its center in the Gaza Strip. The organization, which aims to provide food for those in need around the world, noted that the deceased included citizens from Australia, Britain, and Poland, as well as one individual with dual U.S.-Canadian citizenship. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also stated on Tuesday, April 2, that Washington has requested Israel to initiate a 'swift, thorough, and impartial' investigation into the airstrike that led to the deaths of several charity workers in Gaza. The bodies of six members of the 'World Central Kitchen' organization have been transferred from Gaza to Egypt. The Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army stated that the attack on the 'World Central Kitchen' convoy was a mistake. Blinken called for a 'swift and impartial' investigation by Israel into the deadly attack on charity workers.