An official with the U.S. Agency for International Development USAID directly criticized the Israeli military for episodes in which its forces killed aid workers trying to bring needed food, water and medicine to people in Gaza.
Quick read
- The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) criticizes Israeli military actions that have resulted in the deaths of aid workers in Gaza, labeling these incidents as “deconfliction failures.”
- Dan Dieckhaus, USAID Response Director, specifically references recent incidents, including a strike on workers from the World Central Kitchen, demanding an end to such failures.
- Despite efforts by the Israeli military to avoid targeting aid workers, USAID expresses dissatisfaction with the current situation and emphasizes the need for improved safety for aid workers.
- USAID and U.S. Navy officials discussed a new initiative involving a floating aid pier to enhance the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
- The first shipment of UK aid has left Cyprus for Gaza, signaling increased international efforts to deliver necessary supplies despite ongoing challenges.
The Associated Press has the story:
USAID official says Israel needs to stop killing aid workers in Gaza
Newslooks- DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — (AP)
An official with the U.S. Agency for International Development directly criticized the Israeli military for episodes in which its forces killed aid workers trying to bring needed food, water and medicine to people in Gaza.
Response Director Dan Dieckhaus of USAID referenced the Israeli military’s efforts at trying to avoid shooting at aid workers, part of a wider military strategy known as “deconfliction” in combat zones, as “failures.” He particularly referenced the strikes that killed workers with the World Central Kitchen program.
“Deconfliction failures, as was represented by the World Central Kitchen strike, need to stop,” he said. “They need to end. They don’t just need to be mitigated.”
He added: “We’re not at all satisfied with where they’re at now.”
The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Speaking on a call with journalists organized by the State Department, both Dieckhaus and U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper said a planned floating aid pier operation would be working “in the coming days,” without elaborating. Dieckhaus said the U.N. and other aid agencies had not requested armed escorts for moving their aid through the Gaza Strip after being unloaded.
Pressed specifically on what the Israelis could do better, Dieckhaus said: “I don’t think USAID is privy to the targeting practices of the IDF.”
“I think overall we are we are still not satisfied and we won’t be satisfied as long as we continue to see aid worker deaths and injuries,” he said. “So that is maybe that’s a high bar. I think we would consider that a low bar that these workers are able to operate safely and securely without exception.”
SHIP WITH BRITISH AID FOR GAZA DEPARTS CYPRUS
LONDON — The British government says the first shipload of U.K. aid left Cyprus on Wednesday bound for a U.S.-built temporary pier in Gaza.
The Foreign Office said the ship is carrying almost 100 tonnes (tons) of U.K. aid, including 8,400 temporary shelters made of plastic sheeting. It’s the first part of a 2 million pound ($2.5 million) package of U.K. aid to be delivered from Cyprus.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the shipment was “an important moment” in increasing the flow of aid to Gaza.
“But we know that more is required, particularly via land, which is why alongside intensive work to get hostages out of Gaza we will continue efforts to unlock more routes to get vital aid in – helping people in desperate need.” Sunak said.
Britain urged Israel to meet its commitment to allow at least 500 aid trucks a day to cross into Gaza and to open the Israeli port of Ashdod to maritime shipments.
