UAE said it held Israel fully responsible for this dangerous development DUBAI: The UAE has strongly condemned Israel for its airstrike on a World Central Kitchen team, killing six international aid workers and their Palestinian driver, Emirates News Agency reported on Tuesday. As the UAE’s partner in the Cypriot-led Amalthea Initiative, the WCK worked to improve the humanitarian aid delivered to civilians in northern Gaza. The UAE said it held Israel fully responsible for this dangerous development and demanded an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation of those who committed this “heinous crime” in violation of international humanitarian law. The Emirati Foreign Ministry expressed its deep sorrow for the loss of life and extended its heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families. The ministry emphasized the importance of an immediate ceasefire to stop attacks on civilians, civilian facilities, and relief organizations. It also urged against restricting humanitarian aid and using food as a weapon and called for immediate protection of humanitarian relief personnel. Earlier on Tuesday, Jordan’s Foreign Minister said Israel’s killing of aid workers is one of the occupation’s many war crimes. The WCK, founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, said last month it had served more than 42 million meals in Gaza over 175 days. The food charity announced that it was immediately pausing its operations in the region and would make decisions soon about the future of its work.