John Flickinger, a grieving father whose son Jacob was killed in an Israeli airstrike on a World Central Kitchen aid convoy in Gaza, spoke with Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the need for the United States to use its power and leverage to end the killings by Israel in the Hamas-run territory. Flickinger expressed his belief that if the United States threatened to suspend aid to Israel, his son may still be alive. While Blinken did not promise any new policy actions, he did convey to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. may change its relationship with Israel if the Israeli Defense Forces do not show more care for civilians in Gaza.
Jacob Flickinger, a dual U.S. and Canadian citizen, was among the seven humanitarian workers killed in the drone strikes on April 1. Three British nationals, an Australian, a Polish national, and a Palestinian were also killed in the attacks. Described as “larger than life” by his father, Jacob was a devoted father and companion who loved the outdoors and spent time serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. He volunteered to go to Gaza in hopes of helping Palestinians facing famine, despite the risks involved. World Central Kitchen, the organization Jacob was working with, had informed the Israeli military of their movements and convoy presence.
Israeli officials have called the drone strikes a mistake, leading to the dismissal of two officers and reprimand of three others for mishandling critical information and violating rules of engagement. However, John Flickinger believes the attack was a deliberate attempt to intimidate aid workers and obstruct humanitarian aid. World Central Kitchen has stopped food deliveries in Gaza following the incident, as Flickinger accuses Israel of using food as a weapon. The Canadian government is providing support to move Jacob’s partner and son back to Quebec from Costa Rica, where they reside, to be closer to family. Jacob’s remains are currently in Cairo awaiting a death certificate from Palestinian authorities before being transported to Quebec.
Jacob Flickinger’s father highlighted his son’s dedication to serving and helping others, noting that he died doing what he loved. The elder Flickinger, who runs a nonprofit organization in Miami that assists underrepresented students, expressed hope that his son’s death will lead to meaningful change in the way Israel conducts its actions in Gaza. He described Jacob as a devoted father and companion, involved in outdoor activities and military service, who volunteered in Gaza to assist those in need. In the conversation with Blinken, Flickinger emphasized the importance of the United States taking action to prevent further civilian casualties in Gaza.
In his conversation with Blinken, John Flickinger urged for the United States to suspend aid to Israel as a means to leverage change in Israeli actions in Gaza. He expressed hope that this incident will serve as a turning point in the relationship between the U.S. and Israel, leading to more accountability for civilian casualties. Flickinger also mentioned that Blinken had spoken with Jacob’s partner, who is left to care for their young son after the tragic loss. As the family awaits the return of Jacob’s remains to Quebec, they are grateful for the support from the Canadian government in facilitating the move and offering financial assistance during this difficult time. The Flickinger family is seeking justice for Jacob’s death and advocating for a more careful and humanitarian approach in conflict zones like Gaza.
