April 3, 2024 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on the seven World Central Kitchen workers that were killed in Gaza: “I was devastated to learn that seven World Central Kitchen workers were killed in an Israeli airstrike while aiding innocent civilians in Gaza. My prayers are with their families, friends, and colleagues mourning this terrible loss. We grieve with them. “It is imperative that the IDF conduct a thorough investigation and do what is necessary to give humanitarian organizations assurances that they can safely operate in Gaza. Just as Israel has a responsibility to defeat Hamas and ensure the terrorist attacks of October 7 never occur again, it also has a duty to safeguard innocent Palestinian civilians living under Hamas' brutal rule. That includes helping facilitate the delivery of vital humanitarian relief. “The U.S. must continue to support Israel in that effort and in its mission to recover the 134 remaining hostages held captive in Gaza. We will continue to work with other intermediaries to secure these hostages' release and a temporary ceasefire – proposals for which Israel has repeatedly accepted and Hamas has repeatedly rejected. Bringing about such an agreement and ending Hamas' oppressive reign over the Palestinian people are essential steps toward establishing peace and security throughout the region.”