S
OMWU mourned the tragic loss of seven humanitarian aid workers from the non-profit organization World Central Kitchen, who were recently killed in Gaza when their convoy was struck by an Israeli military drone.
Mohamed Haji, SOMWU National President, emphasized that the targeting of aid workers not only violates international law but also undermines workers’ fundamental right to carry out their duties safely. Haji stressed the need for increased protection for humanitarian workers risking their lives to provide essential assistance to civilians in conflict zones.
SOMWU called for a comprehensive, independent inquiry into the events leading to the casualties, echoing global demands for justice. Among the seven aid workers killed was Jacob Flickinger, a 33-year-old dual U.S.-Canadian citizen who had been volunteering with the aid organization since March. The loss of Flickinger and his colleagues highlights the dangers faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones and underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that nearly 200 aid workers have lost their lives since the Hamas-Israel war began in October of the previous year. This alarming figure surpasses the total number of humanitarian aid worker deaths recorded in 2022 alone, which stood at 115 according to the Aid Worker Security Database. SOMWU joins the international community in condemning violence and calls for an immediate end to hostilities to prevent further loss of life among humanitarian workers and innocent civilians alike.