April 2, 2024 | Flash Brief

Israel to Set Up Coordination Room for Gaza Aid

April 2, 2024 | Flash Brief

Israel to Set Up Coordination Room for Gaza Aid

Latest Developments

Israel will set up a situation room to coordinate between its military and international aid organizations, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on April 2 following the accidental bombing of a World Central Kitchen (WCK) team in Gaza. The overnight strike on a WCK convoy in central Gaza killed seven relief workers, most of them foreign. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) expressed remorse for what they described as a tragic and unintended incident.

In addition to announcing an investigation that will be overseen by IDF chief of staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, Gallant said Israel will “open a joint situation room — a platform that enables coordination between the IDF’s Southern Command and international organizations vis-à-vis the distribution of aid.”

Founded by Spanish-American celebrity chef Jose Andres, the WCK has been preparing and providing donated food for Gazans, including via the maritime aid corridor from Cyprus, with Israel’s approval.

Expert Analysis

“Israel was quick to take responsibility for and pledge an investigation of this awful incident. Though no reasonable observer could assume that this was anything other than a bungled operation in a bewilderingly difficult warzone, such transparency is vital in distinguishing Israel from its enemies who traffic in mendacity.” — Mark Dubowitz, FDD CEO

“This is how responsible democracies should conduct themselves when tragic mistakes are made in war — in this case, a just war against a brutal terror group. Those who believe democracies like the United States or Israel would ever intentionally target aid workers live in a Hamas-curated world. That Hamas views this tragedy as a strategic opportunity while Israel views it as both a tragedy and a blunder tells you everything.” — Richard Goldberg, FDD Senior Advisor

“Israel Disputes Report of Imminent Famine in Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief

“Humanitarian Aid Arrives in Gaza Via New Maritime Corridor,” FDD Flash Brief

“New Maritime Humanitarian Corridor Opens for Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief

Issues:

International Organizations Israel Israel at War