World Central Kitchen (WCK) has announced that evacuation orders in Rafah have led to a temporary pause in operations at several community kitchens supported by the organization. The Israeli military issued evacuation orders in eastern Rafah as part of a 'precise counter-terrorism operation,' prompting over 100,000 residents to relocate to an 'expanded humanitarian area' in Al-Mawasi.
Despite the disruption, WCK's kitchens outside the evacuation zone have continued to provide meals to communities in Rafah and Deir al-Balah. The aid group reported serving more than 168,000 meals through its field kitchens and community kitchens in the region.
Earlier this year, WCK faced a setback when it temporarily suspended its operations in Gaza following the loss of seven staff members in an Israeli airstrike on one of its convoys. The organization has been actively involved in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, including facilitating the first aid shipment via sea.
While the current evacuation orders have impacted WCK's ability to operate fully in Rafah, the organization remains committed to supporting communities in need and ensuring access to essential meals during challenging times.
