Israel's targeting of aid workers is genocide: 12-year-old Indian activist

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) — Israel’s killing of food aid workers is "unacceptable at any cost" and a "complete genocide," according to a 12-year-old Indian climate and child rights activist.

In an interview with Anadolu, Licypriya Kangujam denounced last Monday's attack on a convoy of the US-based food charity World Central Kitchen (WCK), saying she was "sad and very shocked" to see the attack that killed humanitarian aid workers.

"This is complete genocide. This is unacceptable at any cost. Killing these people, the seven aid people, it's just not fair," said the 12-year-old activist, who is well known for her efforts in environment and child rights.

The April 1 attack killed seven aid workers — three British nationals, an Australian, a Polish national, a US-Canadian dual citizen and a Palestinian.

It has triggered strong condemnation around the globe and calls for accountability, with many, including WCK founder Jose Andres, disputing Israel's claim that it was a "mistake" and a case of "misidentification."

"If they want to fight, attack those terrorist people, let them do that. But why are they doing it on these innocent people?" asked Kangujam.

"It's not just about the seven aid people. They're bombing hospitals, schools, blocking the electricity, roads, food," said Kangujam. "Why is the destruction happening in their place? In their homes? In their schools? In hospitals? Why are they getting affected by this?"

She said the world should act to stop Israel's ongoing attacks in the Gaza Strip, where more than 33,500 people have been killed since Oct. 7 last year.

"Administrations like the USA, the European Union and the UK — why are they supporting supplies to them? All these weapons? This is not necessary. They shouldn't be doing this," she said.

"Instead, they should stop supporting Israel," said Kangujam, adding: "We want cease-fire now."

Israel has killed more than 33,500 Palestinians since an Oct. 7 cross-border incursion by the Palestinian group Hamas which claimed 1,200 lives.

Much of Gaza's infrastructure has since been destroyed and 1.9 million residents forcibly displaced, leaving them at risk of disease and famine.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which in January issued an interim ruling that ordered it to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

- Cease-fire to stop 'genocide'

"Why is it impacting children like me? Why is it impacting these innocent children? ... They shouldn't be involved in this kind of conflict, in this genocide," said Kangujam, who demanded a reason why Israel has been targeting children.

"We just hope for peace. We want cease-fire now," she added.

"We want this to stop. (As children) We don't want us to get affected, impacted by this conflict. We want a safe future. We want a good childhood and a good livelihood. We want to live happily."

She went on to say that a cease-fire must be achieved as soon as possible to "stop this genocide, this inhumane war."

"The whole world should be with us, with calling (for a) cease-fire now. To stand with Palestine, too. We all, together, must condemn this act that they're doing to the innocent children, people, the women of Palestine," underlined Kangujam.

Also calling on climate and environmental activists around the world to stand against Israeli attacks, Kangujam stressed the need for universal calls for cease-fire.

"We all should stand, we all, together, with every person in this world, every nation, every climate activist, every person in this one should stand with Palestine."