Chef José Andrés Criticizes Biden'shousePolicy Amid Gaza Crisis

Celebrity chef José Andrés, founder of the humanitarian organization world Central Kitchen (WCK), has spoken out against the Biden administration's approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Andrés' criticism comes after an Israeli airstrike workers in Gaza earlier this month.

Why this matters: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has far-reaching implications for global stability and security, and the international community's response will set a precedent for addressing similar conflicts. As the crisis continues to unfold, the need for a diplomatic solution and humanitarian aid will only intensify, making it a critical issue for world leaders to address.

At a memorial service held at the Washington National Cathedral, Andrés eulogized the workers, praising them as "the best of humanity" and stating that their examples should inspire others to do better. He demanded an investigation into the actions of the Israeli forces, emphasizing, "There is no excuse for these killings, none."

The service, attended by over 500 people, including families of the victims, WCK staff, U.S. officials, and diplomats from more than 30 countries, featured readings and prayers from Muslim, Jewish, and Christian traditions. Renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma provided a musical tribute.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with President Joe Biden calling for an investigation and demanding that Israel make it easier to deliver aid to Gaza or risk a shift in U.S. support. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged that the killings were a mistake.

Andrés' criticism comes at a sensitive time for the White House, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently returned from the Middle East, and protests over the war have erupted on college campuses, posing a challenge for Biden ahead of the November elections. Despite being a member of President Biden's orbit, Andrés has not been sidelined or publicly criticized by the White House for his dissent.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza affects over 2 million people, with widespread hunger and man-made famine. Andrés described WCK's decision to resume operations in Gaza, less than a month after the killings, as "both the hardest and the simplest" to make, highlighting the bravery of the organization's Palestinian team and the severity of the crisis.

Over 200 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since October 7, according to the UN. Israeli settlers attacked two Gaza-bound aid convoys from Jordan on Tuesday, an incident condemned by Amman in the strongest terms. The Israeli government has been accused of collective punishment against Palestinians, with the blockade of aid exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

The Israeli government has promised to open two new aid routes into northern Gaza following international pressure. The UAE is working with international partners, including WCK, to address the crisis. As the war in Gaza continues, with 34,596 deaths in Gaza and 1,170 deaths in Israel reported by Hamas and Israeli authorities respectively, the need for humanitarian aid and a resolution to the conflict remains urgent.

Key Takeaways

• Celebrity chef José Andrés criticizes Biden administration's approach to Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Andrés demands investigation into Israeli airstrike that killed aid workers in Gaza.
• Humanitarian crisis in Gaza affects 2 million people, with widespread hunger and man-made famine.
• Over 200 aid workers killed in Gaza since October 7, according to the UN.
• International pressure mounts for diplomatic solution and humanitarian aid to address crisis.