Father of Slain Aid Worker Urges US to Use Influence on Israel Over Gaza Strikes
A grieving father, John Flickinger, spoke with Secretary of State Antony Blinken after his son, a humanitarian worker, was killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
Flickinger urged Blinken to use US influence to stop the killings in Gaza and threatened that the US-Israel relationship may change if Israel does not show more care for civilians.
Blinken did not promise new policy actions but conveyed a strong message to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Flickinger's son, a dual US and Canadian citizen, was among seven humanitarian workers killed in the April 1 drone strikes.
John Flickinger, the father of Jacob Flickinger who was killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza, expressed hope that this tragedy would lead to the US suspending aid and taking action to change Israel's conduct in the war.
Flickinger also spoke with his daughter-in-law, Sandy Leclerc, who is caring for their 1-year-old son, Jasper.
Six people were killed in the strikes, including Jacob, three British nationals, an Australian, a Polish national, and a Palestinian.
Jacob was described as a loving son, devoted dad, and adventurous person who spent 11 years serving in the Canadian Armed Forces and volunteered in Gaza to help those facing famine, despite the risks.
A representative of World Central Kitchen, John Flickinger, was speaking about the death of one of their team members who was killed while delivering humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The Israeli military has called the drone strike a mistake, but Flickinger believes it was an intentional attempt to intimidate aid workers and stop the flow of humanitarian aid.
The organization has since ceased food deliveries in Gaza, and Flickinger accuses Israel of using food as a weapon.
Flickinger's own nonprofit, Breakthrough Miami, focuses on providing academic opportunities and college preparation for underrepresented students.
The Canadian government is helping the family of Leclerc and Jasper, who are currently living in Costa Rica, to return to Quebec province.
The remains of Leclerc, who died in Palestine, are in Cairo and are pending a death certificate from Palestinian authorities.
Once obtained, the family has arranged for the remains to be transported to Quebec.
The Canadian government is providing financial support for the family to make the move.
Blinken did not promise new policy actions but conveyed a strong message to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Flickinger's son, a dual US and Canadian citizen, was among seven humanitarian workers killed in the April 1 drone strikes.
John Flickinger, the father of Jacob Flickinger who was killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza, expressed hope that this tragedy would lead to the US suspending aid and taking action to change Israel's conduct in the war.
Flickinger also spoke with his daughter-in-law, Sandy Leclerc, who is caring for their 1-year-old son, Jasper.
Six people were killed in the strikes, including Jacob, three British nationals, an Australian, a Polish national, and a Palestinian.
Jacob was described as a loving son, devoted dad, and adventurous person who spent 11 years serving in the Canadian Armed Forces and volunteered in Gaza to help those facing famine, despite the risks.
A representative of World Central Kitchen, John Flickinger, was speaking about the death of one of their team members who was killed while delivering humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The Israeli military has called the drone strike a mistake, but Flickinger believes it was an intentional attempt to intimidate aid workers and stop the flow of humanitarian aid.
The organization has since ceased food deliveries in Gaza, and Flickinger accuses Israel of using food as a weapon.
Flickinger's own nonprofit, Breakthrough Miami, focuses on providing academic opportunities and college preparation for underrepresented students.
The Canadian government is helping the family of Leclerc and Jasper, who are currently living in Costa Rica, to return to Quebec province.
The remains of Leclerc, who died in Palestine, are in Cairo and are pending a death certificate from Palestinian authorities.
Once obtained, the family has arranged for the remains to be transported to Quebec.
The Canadian government is providing financial support for the family to make the move.
Translation:
Translated by AI
