- The military claims that the highest echelons are undertaking a thorough review.
- A tragic incident prompts Western capitals to demand an investigation and widespread criticism.
GAZA STRIP: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Tuesday that the military would conduct an impartial investigation and that the bombing that claimed the lives of seven workers for World Central Kitchen (WCK) in Gaza was “tragic” and unintentional.
Following nearly six months of fighting, the Israeli military conveyed their “sincere sorrow” over the tragedy, which sparked international outrage and increased demand for action to improve the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Along with Palestinians and a dual citizen of the US and Canada, the attack on the WCK convoy claimed the lives of citizens of Australia, Britain, and Poland.
Celebrity chef Jose Andres created WCK, and the organization said they had been traveling in two armored cars with the charity’s insignia on them as well as another vehicle.
Netanyahu said in a video statement, “Unfortunately, there was a tragic event in the Gaza Strip where our forces unintentionally harmed non-combatants.”
“In times of war, this occurs. We are in contact with the governments and are undertaking a comprehensive investigation. We’ll use every effort to stop it from happening again.
In order to convey its “unequivocal condemnation of the appalling killing” of the WCK workers—three of whom were British nationals—Britain called Israel’s ambassador to London.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron stated in a post on X that “Israel must urgently explain how this happened and make major changes to ensure safety of aid workers on the ground.”
According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Washington requested Israel to launch an immediate, comprehensive, and unbiased inquiry into the airstrike on Tuesday.
Blinken traveled to Paris for a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron and other high-ranking officials. “We have discussed this specific instance with the Israeli government directly. At a press conference in Paris, Blinken told reporters, “We’ve urged a swift, a thorough, and impartial investigation,” stressing that humanitarian workers needed to be protected.
Regarding the NGO employees slain in the strike, he remarked, “These people are heroes; they run into the fire, not away from it.” “People who are merely attempting to help their fellow humans shouldn’t have to put themselves in danger in this way.” However, in contrast to his French counterpart Stephane Sejourne, Blinken refrained from outright denouncing the incident.
Sejourne spoke with Blinken, expressing France’s “strong denunciation” of the Israeli airstrike. He declared, “Nothing can justify such a tragedy.”
Canada demanded a thorough inquiry and denounced the Israeli strike as well.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly expressed her shock on Tuesday upon learning that seven World Central Kitchen employees, including a Canadian citizen, were killed in an IDF strike in Gaza yesterday.
“We demand a thorough inquiry and denounce these strikes. Canada will make it clear to the Israeli government that it demands complete accountability for these crimes. “On X, she stated that strikes against humanitarian workers are completely intolerable.
Growing estrangement from Israel
Netanyahu’s growing diplomatic isolation over the Gaza situation was highlighted by demands for action to safeguard relief workers from Australia and Poland, two nations that have historically been sympathetic to Israel.
Israel has consistently refuted claims that it is impeding the delivery of much needed food aid to Gaza, which is under siege from a war that began in October, claiming that the issue stems from the incapacity of international relief organizations to reach those in need.
The convoy was struck as it was leaving its Deir al-Balah warehouse after offloading more than 100 tonnes of humanitarian food items that had been transported to Gaza by water, according to WCK, despite having coordinated operations with the Israeli military.
Erin Gore, CEO of World Central Kitchen, stated, “This is not just an attack against WCK, this is an attack on humanitarian organizations responding in the most desperate circumstances where food is being used as a weapon of war.” “This is not excused.”
The Israeli military (IDF) promised an investigation by “an independent, professional and expert body” and stated that it was undertaking a thorough examination at the highest levels to comprehend the facts of what it called a terrible incident.
The UN and other international organizations have accused Israel of failing to safeguard the security of food convoys and obstructing aid distribution with bureaucratic roadblocks, a claim that is highlighted by the tragedy that occurred on February 29 and claimed the lives of about 100 people who were waiting for relief to arrive.
