WCK Convoy Attack

1 April 2024

On April 1, 2024, an Israeli airstrike targeted a convoy of World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, resulting in the deaths of seven humanitarian staff members. The convoy, consisting of three vehicles - two armored and clearly marked with WCK logos - was transporting food aid and had coordinated its route with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) prior to the incident.

According to Human Rights Watch, the convoy was struck by three missiles over a short period, despite having coordinated its movements with the IOF and operating in a designated "deconflicted" zone.

The seven aid workers killed were:

• Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, a 25-year-old Palestinian.

• Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom, 43, from Australia.

• Jacob Flickinger, 33, a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen.

• Damian Soból, 35, from Poland.

• John Chapman, 57, from the United Kingdom.

• James Henderson, 33, from the United Kingdom.

• James Kirby, 47, from the United Kingdom.