The World Central Kitchen car that was bombed today (Video Snippet)

Netanyahu Says Israeli Strike Responsible For Aid Worker Deaths, Orders Probe

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The Judean Staff
National

In a recent and deeply regrettable incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that a military operation unintentionally resulted in the death of seven humanitarian workers in Gaza. These individuals were associated with the World Central Kitchen (WCK), an organization pivotal in providing sustenance to the regions under siege. The tragic event has spurred a wave of international concern, prompting demands from the US among other nations for a thorough examination of the circumstances leading to this unfortunate loss of life.

The Israeli military is currently undertaking an investigation into the airstrike which led to the casualties among the WCK staff. The victims included nationals from Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, Palestine, and a dual citizen of the US and Canada. This development has necessitated a temporary halt in WCK's operations within the region, amidst warnings from aid organizations about the looming threat of famine.

The incident has also escalated fears among Israel's allies about the potential for the conflict with Hamas to widen into a more extensive regional confrontation. Earlier on the same day, an action attributed to Israel targeted the consular division of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, resulting in the death of three high-ranking Iranian officials. This act has elicited a promise of reprisal from Tehran, highlighting the volatile nature of the situation.

The decision to investigate the deaths came in the wake of a call from the US, home to WCK, for an inquiry into the incident, alongside increasing calls for a ceasefire from various quarters. Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the US National Security Council, expressed profound sorrow over the incident, underscoring the necessity of safeguarding humanitarian aid workers engaged in critical relief efforts.

The victims were traveling in a zone believed to be safe, in vehicles clearly marked with the WCK insignia, at the time of the strike. Despite coordination with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), their convoy was struck as it departed from a warehouse in Deir al-Balah after delivering substantial humanitarian aid.

The loss of life among humanitarian workers in the occupied Palestinian territories has reached alarming levels, with the UN reporting a significant increase in casualties. The situation in Gaza has been described as dire, with no location deemed safe, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Following the incident, a shipment containing over 200 tonnes of aid destined for Gaza was forced to return, signaling a major setback in the efforts to provide relief to the region. The European Union, through its chief diplomat Josep Borrell, has condemned the attack and echoed the calls for an immediate investigation, emphasizing the urgency of adhering to a United Nations Security Council resolution that advocates for a ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and enhanced civilian protection.

This tragedy has drawn sharp criticism from various countries whose nationals were among the victims, with calls for accountability and the safeguarding of aid workers and innocent civilians alike. The incident has not only highlighted the risks faced by those delivering humanitarian assistance but also underscored the broader humanitarian and health crises facing the people of Gaza amid ongoing hostilities.

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