World Central Kitchen aid convoy targeted by IDF in Gaza

On the evening of 1 April 2024, an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) strike targeted a World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy in Gaza. The aid workers were overseeing the unloading of a large shipment of food from a barge at a makeshift jetty on the Mediterranean shore, intended to provide over 1 million meals to combat famine in the territory.

The delivery had been coordinated with the Israeli military over several days, and an officer was present on the jetty during the unloading process. However, a delay in receiving final security clearance for the eight trucks and two escort vehicles meant the convoy began moving south after nightfall.

While the mission was intended to operate under internationally agreed military protection, two drones from the IDF’s Nahal brigade joined the convoy during its transit. Reports indicate the brigade had not been fully briefed on the specific itinerary of the aid convoy before the strike occurred.