Father of Slain Aid Worker Urges US to Halt Military Aid to Israel

The Israeli drone strike in Gaza on April 1 killed the 33-year-old humanitarian worker, a dual US-Canadian citizen, 1 alongside six other foreign aid workers when their convoy with relief group World Central Kitchen (WCK) was subjected to repeated drone strikes by Israeli forces.

This prompted John Flickinger to advocate for a significant shift in US policy towards Israel. He recounted his conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who offered condolences and solidarity over the loss of his son Jacob during a phone call on Saturday, as reported by AP.

“If the United States threatened to suspend aid to Israel, maybe my son would be alive today,” expressed Flickinger to the news agency on Sunday. He underscored the urgency for decisive action from the United States to influence Israel to change its conduct in the war.

Following an international outcry, Israel acknowledged the grave violation of rules of engagement in the attack on the humanitarian convoy.

The attack on the humanitarian convoy adds to the toll of casualties among aid workers and journalists since the beginning of Israel's operations in Gaza last October. With over 33,000 Palestinians killed and extensive infrastructure damage, the Israeli war on Gaza continues to escalate.