An Israeli airstrike on Monday killed seven food aid workers, sparking international outrage and increasing pressure on President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Escalating tensions in the ongoing war in Gaza are likely to be the focus of this week’s Sunday talk shows.
Workers from the nonprofit organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) were driving through a “deconflict” zone after delivering food to civilians in the Gaza Strip when their marked vehicle was struck. Israel claimed responsibility for the attack and fired two police officers on Friday after determining the deadly attack should not have happened.
A preliminary investigation conducted by Israel’s Joint Chiefs of Staff found that the military had mistakenly identified a convoy of aid workers as Hamas fighting. Mr. Biden met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday and warned the Israeli leader in his sharpest tone yet that U.S. policy will be determined by Israel’s next steps.
During the phone conversation, Biden reportedly asked Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire. This will enable the provision of further aid to starving civilians in the Gaza Strip and the return of remaining hostages taken by Hamas. Several family members of the hostages will be attending this week’s show.
Shortly after this call, Israel’s wartime cabinet approved the opening of a key border crossing in northern Gaza, amid mounting pressure for the country to do more for civilians and aid workers. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the measures are generally good but may not go far enough.
WCK founder and celebrity chef José Andrés said in an interview this week that he believes Israel is “systematically” targeting aid workers. He is scheduled to appear on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday, where he will talk about the seven employees and his call for an independent investigation into WCK.
White House National Security Press Secretary John Kirby will also appear on ABC’s “This Week.” Kirby said Thursday that the United States will wait to see what Israel does in the days after the attack. He will likely talk about Biden’s recent phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in which he expressed frustration over rising casualties and lack of progress on aid in Gaza.
The most outspoken voice this week was Sen. Chris Coons (D-Delaware). Coons, one of the Democratic Party’s top supporters of Israel and a close ally of Biden, said he was open to putting conditions on aid to Israel as the war continues. He is scheduled to appear on “Fox News Sunday,” where he is likely to discuss his position.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted responsibility for the deadly attack, calling it a “tragic event” that was unintentional, but saying such things happen “in war.” Netanyahu’s press secretary, Tal Heinrich, will appear on NewsNation’s “The Hill Sunday with Chris Stirewald” and is likely to discuss Israel’s current position as tensions escalate throughout the weekend. .
Below is the complete list of guests scheduled to appear on this Sunday’s talk show.
ABC’s “This Week” – Founder of World Central Kitchen Jose Andres; White House National Security John Kirby.
CBS “Face the Nation” – Kirby; governor wes moore (D-Maryland); Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland); Rep. french hill (R-Arc); Mother of hostage captured by Hamas rachel goldberg; Executive Director of Médecins Sans Frontières avril benoit; President and CEO of Save the Children Genti Soeripto.
CNN’s “State of the Union” – representative mike turner (R-Ohio) and Ro Khanna (D-California); Relatives of hostages held by Hamas Ronan and Daniel Neutra; World Food Program Executive Director Cindy McCain.
“Fox News Sunday” – governor Greg Abbott (R-Texas); Sen. chris coons (Delta State).
FOX News “Sunday Morning Futures” – governor Ron DeSantis (Republican of Florida); Sen. JD Vance (Republican-Ohio); Republican National Committee Chairman michael whatley and co-chair lara trump; former lawmaker Devin Nunes (R-Calif.).
NewsNation’s “The Hill Sunday with Chris Stilwald” – Whatley; Spokesperson of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; Tal Heinrich.
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