WASHINGTON (Reuters): Celebrity chef Jose Andres spoke emotionally in an interview with Reuters on Wednesday about an Israeli attack that resulted in the deaths of seven of his food aid workers in Gaza. He claimed that the workers were targeted “systematically, car by car.”
Addressing the situation via video, Andres stated that the charity group he founded, World Central Kitchen (WCK), had clear communication with the Israeli military, who he alleged were aware of his aid workers’ movements.
According to Andres, the attack was not a mere accident but a deliberate targeting of a clearly marked humanitarian convoy. He emphasized the visibility of their convoy, displaying signs and a logo that identified them and their purpose.
Andres called for investigations into the incident by both the US government and the countries of the aid workers who lost their lives. He accused the military of targeting them in a zone controlled by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The aid workers were killed shortly after overseeing the unloading of 100 tons of food brought to Gaza by sea. Israel’s military expressed regret over the incident, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referring to it as unintentional.
Andres suggested that the attack may have involved more than just three strikes and rejected claims that it was not deliberate, questioning the judgement of both Israeli and US authorities.
World Central Kitchen (WCK) founder Chef Jose Andres reacts while participating remotely in an online Reuters interview from Eastern Shore, Maryland, U.S., in this still image taken from video on April 3, 2024. REUTERS/Reuters TV
Andres dismissed the idea that the attack was unintentional and stressed that no military in a democratic country should be targeting civilians and aid workers.
Regarding Israeli military statements, Andres commented on prior remarks made by the chief of staff calling it a grave mistake, but he remained adamant about the intentional nature of the attack.
He mentioned his absence during the attack, noting that he was supposed to be with his team in Gaza but was unable to return at that time. Andres urged the US to take further actions to end the war and discussed his conversation with President Joe Biden on the matter.
He criticized the US for supplying aid to Gaza while also providing weapons to Israel, highlighting the complexities of the situation where America’s military involvement appears contradictory.
The chef questioned the rationale behind Netanyahu’s war efforts to save hostages while the same weapons used by Israel caused civilian casualties among Palestinians.
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