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Aid Workers Killed in Strike on Gaza

Israel's relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip has left wide swathes of the territory in ruins. AFP
Israel's relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip has left wide swathes of the territory in ruins. AFP
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Aid Workers Killed in Strike on Gaza

Israel's relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip has left wide swathes of the territory in ruins. AFP
Israel's relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip has left wide swathes of the territory in ruins. AFP

A food aid organization said an Israeli strike killed several of its workers in the besieged Gaza Strip on Monday, with the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory reporting that four of them were foreigners.
"Today, World Central Kitchen lost several of its sisters and brothers in an Israeli army strike in Gaza," said the NGO's founder, chef Jose Andres.
World Central Kitchen, a US-headquartered organization, called the incident a "tragedy" and reiterated that "humanitarian aid workers and civilians should never be a target", AFP said.
According to the health ministry in Gaza, the bodies of four foreign aid workers and their Palestinian driver were brought to a hospital in the town of Deir el-Balah after an Israeli strike targeted their vehicle.
Hamas said the aid workers included "British, Australian and Polish nationalities, with the fourth nationality not known".
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed one of his country's citizens, volunteer Zomi Frankcom, was among those killed.
World Central Kitchen is one of two international NGOs spearheading efforts to deliver aid to Gaza by boat from Cyprus.
It is also involved in the construction of a temporary jetty in the coastal territory.
At the Al-Aqsa Hospital, an AFP correspondent saw five bodies with three foreign passports lying nearby.
"We are heartbroken and deeply troubled by the strike that... killed @WCKitchen aid workers in Gaza," White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson posted on social media platform X.
"Humanitarian aid workers must be protected as they deliver aid that is desperately needed, and we urge Israel to swiftly investigate what happened."
The Israeli military said it was "conducting a thorough review at the highest levels to understand the circumstances of this tragic incident".
Israel has come under immense pressure to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into the strip after six months of war and stark warnings from the United Nations about the dire levels of hunger stalking all 2.4 million Gazans.
A UN-backed report warned on March 19 that half of Gazans were feeling "catastrophic" hunger and projected imminent famine in the territory's north.
Near-total blockade
Since Hamas's October 7 attacks triggered the war, Gaza has been under a near-complete blockade, with the United Nations accusing Israel of preventing deliveries of humanitarian aid.
The world's top court has ordered Israel to "ensure urgent humanitarian assistance" in Gaza without delay, saying "famine is setting in".
Foreign powers have ramped up deliveries by air and sea, although UN agencies and charities warn this falls far short of what is desperately needed, with trucks still the most efficient way of delivering aid.
The airdrops have also proved deadly in some cases, leading to chaotic stampedes for food.
After the UN-backed report last month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said it was the first time an entire population had been classified at severe levels of "acute" food insecurity.
The bloodiest-ever Gaza war erupted with Hamas's unprecedented October attack, which resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.
Israel's retaliatory campaign, aimed at destroying Hamas, has killed at least 32,845 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in Gaza.
On Tuesday, the ministry said 70 people had been killed across the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours.
Al-Shifa hospital in ruins
On Monday, the Israeli army pulled out of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after an intensive, two-week military operation against Hamas transformed the territory's largest medical complex into charred ruins.
"There are more terrorists in the hospital than patients or medical staff," Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari said, adding that 900 people had been apprehended at the sprawling complex, with over 500 of them "definitely" militants.
A spokesman for Gaza's civil defense agency said Israeli forces had killed about 300 people in and around the hospital during the two-week operation.
"People trapped in Al-Shifa hospital died of hunger. Some drank water from bathroom drains," Palestinian Anwar el Jondi said.
Medics carting patients and bodies from the destroyed site had to maneuver stretchers between mounds of rubble.
Several doctors and civilians at the damaged complex told AFP that at least 20 bodies had been found, some of which appeared to have been driven over by military vehicles.
An AFP correspondent saw one badly decomposed body bearing tyre marks, although it was not known when it was driven over.
'Dangerous lie'
The Israeli military said Monday that 600 soldiers had been killed since the start of the war.
During their attack on Israel, Hamas also seized around 250 hostages. Israel believes about 130 remain in Gaza, including 34 presumed dead.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under rising pressure from the families of hostages as well as anti-government protesters, whose nightly rallies have drawn thousands onto the streets.
The war in Gaza has raised fears of a wider regional conflagration, with repeated violence linked to the conflict in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.
Those fears intensified on Monday with strikes in Damascus on the consular annex of Israel's arch-foe Iran, according to Damascus and Tehran.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor based in Britain, said 11 people were killed.
Israel did not comment, but Iran's foreign minister blamed the United States for the attack.
"The Americans must take responsibility," Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said, according to state news agency IRNA.
The UN Security Council will on Tuesday hold a public meeting, requested by Russia, on the strike, according to Russian representative Dmitry Polyansky.

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Arab World

Israel Intensifies Ceasefire Violations, Destroying and Burning Occupied Lebanese Villages

Residents walk on the rubble of destroyed houses on the second day of a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel in Jibchit village, south Lebanon, Saturday, April 18, 2026.(AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Residents walk on the rubble of destroyed houses on the second day of a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel in Jibchit village, south Lebanon, Saturday, April 18, 2026.(AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
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Israel Intensifies Ceasefire Violations, Destroying and Burning Occupied Lebanese Villages

Residents walk on the rubble of destroyed houses on the second day of a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel in Jibchit village, south Lebanon, Saturday, April 18, 2026.(AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Residents walk on the rubble of destroyed houses on the second day of a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel in Jibchit village, south Lebanon, Saturday, April 18, 2026.(AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)

Israeli violations of the US-brokered ceasefire on the Lebanon front continue, as military operations and airstrikes persist against targets Israel claims are affiliated with Hezbollah. This has forced residents who had returned to some southern villages to leave again immediately, fearing a rapid return to fighting.

The yellow line

These violations coincide with the Israeli army’s announcement of the creation of a “yellow line” in southern Lebanon, similar to the one in Gaza, effectively preventing residents from returning to 55 Lebanese towns located within this line.

On Saturday, the Israeli army said it had established a separating “yellow line” in southern Lebanon, similar to the line dividing its forces from areas controlled by Hamas in Gaza. It stated that it had targeted suspected militants who approached its forces along this line.

The army said that over the past 24 hours, its forces operating south of the yellow line had identified individuals it described as militants who violated the ceasefire and approached from the north of the line in what it called a direct threat. This marked the first reference to the line since the ceasefire took effect.

It added that its forces struck those individuals in several areas of southern Lebanon immediately after detecting them, in order to eliminate the threat, stressing that it is authorized to act against threats despite the ceasefire.

In this context, military and security expert Brig. Gen. Fadi Daoud told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Israeli security line is unofficial but effectively constitutes a dangerous point of friction. He said it is known in the field as the Israeli technical line along the Lebanon-Israel border. It is not an internationally recognized boundary but a security measure imposed by Israel that extends beyond the Blue Line and is used to impose facts on the ground, and could quickly trigger clashes.

An unstable situation

Amid the developments imposed by the recent war, it has become difficult to quantify Israeli violations, as UNIFIL forces are unable to enter towns under full Israeli control. A security source told Asharq Al-Awsat that violations are not limited to artillery shelling, drone strikes, or clashes with Hezbollah fighters, but also include the deliberate booby-trapping and complete demolition of homes under the pretext of destroying the group’s infrastructure.

The source described the situation in the south as unstable, warning of concerns about a return to a cycle of fighting. The source added that the Lebanese side had been monitoring developments through the mechanism committee, but the committee is currently not in place, leaving no mechanism to address new Israeli attacks.

On the ground, one person was killed in the town of Kounine and others were wounded by a suspicious object believed to be a cluster munition left over from Israeli bombardment, just hours after the ceasefire came into effect. Artillery shelling continues to be heard in several villages in the central sector, while Israeli forces fired bursts of gunfire toward the town of Aitaroun.

Field reports indicate that the town of Khiam continues to come under artillery fire. Israeli forces have also carried out demolitions in Khiam, Qantara, Shamaa, Bint Jbeil, and Bayyada. Explosions and sweeping fire were also reported in the vicinity of Bint Jbeil.

Lebanese citizens remove rubble from their destroyed shops on the second day of a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel in Nabatiyeh town, south Lebanon, Saturday, April 18, 2026.(AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)

Two tracks of operations in the south

The ceasefire terms, which took effect at midnight between Thursday and Friday, have imposed a new and more difficult reality compared with the cessation of hostilities agreement reached between Lebanon and Israel on November 27, 2024.

Daoud said Israeli operations south of the Litani River are proceeding along two parallel tracks aimed at establishing a new reality on the ground. The first track involves efforts by the Israeli army to entrench its presence in villages it has taken control of, alongside continuing a policy of widespread destruction similar to what it previously carried out in Gaza.

He said the Israeli army is focusing on demolishing buildings in villages it controls in the first and second defensive lines, uprooting trees including olive trees, and setting forests on fire to turn them into completely scorched areas. He added that Israel is also clearing the rubble of destroyed homes and transporting it for recycling, indicating an intention to fundamentally alter the nature of the area.

The battle for Bint Jbeil

The second track centers, according to Daoud, on the battle for Bint Jbeil. He said the battle has two main dimensions: a symbolic one, as Hezbollah has called the city the “capital of the resistance,” and a strategic one due to its geographic location near the border, allowing whoever controls it to influence both northern Israel and southern Lebanon.

The importance of Bint Jbeil is not limited to symbolism but extends to its surroundings. Daoud said controlling the city effectively means controlling surrounding roads and towns, as it provides a tactical advantage that allows fire control over the northeastern and western sectors of the area. He added that operations inside Bint Jbeil will continue regardless of the ceasefire.

He also suggested that if a US green light is given, Israel may continue operations under what is described as “low-intensity warfare” or guerrilla-style operations, aimed at completing control over remaining Hezbollah positions in the city.

Daoud stressed that Israel’s less visible operations reflect a scorched-earth policy, turning occupied towns south of the Litani into fully devastated areas, mirroring the operational pattern seen in Gaza.

Arab World

Israel Intensifies Ceasefire Violations, Destroying and Burning Occupied Lebanese Villages

Residents walk on the rubble of destroyed houses on the second day of a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel in Jibchit village, south Lebanon, Saturday, April 18, 2026.(AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Residents walk on the rubble of destroyed houses on the second day of a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel in Jibchit village, south Lebanon, Saturday, April 18, 2026.(AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
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Israel Intensifies Ceasefire Violations, Destroying and Burning Occupied Lebanese Villages

Residents walk on the rubble of destroyed houses on the second day of a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel in Jibchit village, south Lebanon, Saturday, April 18, 2026.(AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Residents walk on the rubble of destroyed houses on the second day of a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel in Jibchit village, south Lebanon, Saturday, April 18, 2026.(AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)

Israeli violations of the US-brokered ceasefire on the Lebanon front continue, as military operations and airstrikes persist against targets Israel claims are affiliated with Hezbollah. This has forced residents who had returned to some southern villages to leave again immediately, fearing a rapid return to fighting.

The yellow line

These violations coincide with the Israeli army’s announcement of the creation of a “yellow line” in southern Lebanon, similar to the one in Gaza, effectively preventing residents from returning to 55 Lebanese towns located within this line.

On Saturday, the Israeli army said it had established a separating “yellow line” in southern Lebanon, similar to the line dividing its forces from areas controlled by Hamas in Gaza. It stated that it had targeted suspected militants who approached its forces along this line.

The army said that over the past 24 hours, its forces operating south of the yellow line had identified individuals it described as militants who violated the ceasefire and approached from the north of the line in what it called a direct threat. This marked the first reference to the line since the ceasefire took effect.

It added that its forces struck those individuals in several areas of southern Lebanon immediately after detecting them, in order to eliminate the threat, stressing that it is authorized to act against threats despite the ceasefire.

In this context, military and security expert Brig. Gen. Fadi Daoud told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Israeli security line is unofficial but effectively constitutes a dangerous point of friction. He said it is known in the field as the Israeli technical line along the Lebanon-Israel border. It is not an internationally recognized boundary but a security measure imposed by Israel that extends beyond the Blue Line and is used to impose facts on the ground, and could quickly trigger clashes.

An unstable situation

Amid the developments imposed by the recent war, it has become difficult to quantify Israeli violations, as UNIFIL forces are unable to enter towns under full Israeli control. A security source told Asharq Al-Awsat that violations are not limited to artillery shelling, drone strikes, or clashes with Hezbollah fighters, but also include the deliberate booby-trapping and complete demolition of homes under the pretext of destroying the group’s infrastructure.

The source described the situation in the south as unstable, warning of concerns about a return to a cycle of fighting. The source added that the Lebanese side had been monitoring developments through the mechanism committee, but the committee is currently not in place, leaving no mechanism to address new Israeli attacks.

On the ground, one person was killed in the town of Kounine and others were wounded by a suspicious object believed to be a cluster munition left over from Israeli bombardment, just hours after the ceasefire came into effect. Artillery shelling continues to be heard in several villages in the central sector, while Israeli forces fired bursts of gunfire toward the town of Aitaroun.

Field reports indicate that the town of Khiam continues to come under artillery fire. Israeli forces have also carried out demolitions in Khiam, Qantara, Shamaa, Bint Jbeil, and Bayyada. Explosions and sweeping fire were also reported in the vicinity of Bint Jbeil.

Two tracks of operations in the south

The ceasefire terms, which took effect at midnight between Thursday and Friday, have imposed a new and more difficult reality compared with the cessation of hostilities agreement reached between Lebanon and Israel on November 27, 2024.

Daoud said Israeli operations south of the Litani River are proceeding along two parallel tracks aimed at establishing a new reality on the ground. The first track involves efforts by the Israeli army to entrench its presence in villages it has taken control of, alongside continuing a policy of widespread destruction similar to what it previously carried out in Gaza.

He said the Israeli army is focusing on demolishing buildings in villages it controls in the first and second defensive lines, uprooting trees including olive trees, and setting forests on fire to turn them into completely scorched areas. He added that Israel is also clearing the rubble of destroyed homes and transporting it for recycling, indicating an intention to fundamentally alter the nature of the area.

The battle for Bint Jbeil

The second track centers, according to Daoud, on the battle for Bint Jbeil. He said the battle has two main dimensions: a symbolic one, as Hezbollah has called the city the “capital of the resistance,” and a strategic one due to its geographic location near the border, allowing whoever controls it to influence both northern Israel and southern Lebanon.

The importance of Bint Jbeil is not limited to symbolism but extends to its surroundings. Daoud said controlling the city effectively means controlling surrounding roads and towns, as it provides a tactical advantage that allows fire control over the northeastern and western sectors of the area. He added that operations inside Bint Jbeil will continue regardless of the ceasefire.

He also suggested that if a US green light is given, Israel may continue operations under what is described as “low-intensity warfare” or guerrilla-style operations, aimed at completing control over remaining Hezbollah positions in the city.

Daoud stressed that Israel’s less visible operations reflect a scorched-earth policy, turning occupied towns south of the Litani into fully devastated areas, mirroring the operational pattern seen in Gaza.

Arab World

Lebanon President, PM Discuss Readiness for Israel Talks

Vehicles line up as displaced people make their way to return to their homes after a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect, in Sidon, Lebanon, April 18, 2026. REUTERS/Aziz Taher
Vehicles line up as displaced people make their way to return to their homes after a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect, in Sidon, Lebanon, April 18, 2026. REUTERS/Aziz Taher
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Lebanon President, PM Discuss Readiness for Israel Talks

Vehicles line up as displaced people make their way to return to their homes after a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect, in Sidon, Lebanon, April 18, 2026. REUTERS/Aziz Taher
Vehicles line up as displaced people make their way to return to their homes after a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect, in Sidon, Lebanon, April 18, 2026. REUTERS/Aziz Taher

Lebanon's president and prime minister discussed on Saturday preparations for the first direct negotiations with Israel in decades, as southerners headed home after the ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war.

In a statement, the office of President Joseph Aoun said he and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam conducted "an assessment of the post-ceasefire phase and the ongoing efforts to consolidate it", and discussed "Lebanese readiness for the anticipated negotiations" with Israel.

Their meeting came a day after a strongly-worded speech to the nation from Aoun stating that the country was entering a new phase to work on "permanent agreements" with Israel and insisting that direct talks were not a "concession" -- an apparent rebuttal of Hezbollah criticism.

The 10-day ceasefire seeking to end more than six weeks of war between Hezbollah and Israel has been in place since midnight on Thursday (2100 GMT) after being announced by US President Donald Trump.

More than 2,300 people have been killed in Israeli attacks and more than a million displaced since Hezbollah dragged Lebanon into the Middle East conflict last month.

Iran-backed Hezbollah and its supporters strongly oppose the negotiations, and have rejected several government decisions over the past year, including Beirut's commitment to disarming the group in 2025.

As the truce entered its second day, displaced people were still flocking to the south, which saw the brunt of the fighting, with roads packed with cars.

Lebanon's military and other local bodies are working to open roads that were blocked due to Israeli strikes.

In the heavily bombed southern suburbs of Beirut, families came to inspect their homes and grab belongings, though neighborhoods in the area remained largely empty, according to an AFP correspondent, with people hesitant to return.

Among the residents briefly visiting was Samah Hajoul, who is currently staying in a tent on Beirut's seafront.

"We do not feel safe to return, for fear that something might happen at night and I would not be able to carry my children and flee with them," she told AFP.

She only visited her home, which sustained minor damage, to "bathe the children and get summer clothes" as temperatures started to rise.

"We will wait and see what happens during the days of the truce. If the ceasefire is consolidated, we will return to our homes," she added, saying that dozens of families staying in nearby tents were doing the same.

During his meeting with Aoun, Salam expressed hope that "the displaced will be able to return safely to their homes as soon as possible after the ceasefire holds".

He stressed that the government was working to "facilitate this return, especially by repairing the destroyed bridges, opening roads, and providing supplies in the areas where the return will be safe and possible".