International Outcry as Israel Admits Airstrike Mistakenly Kills Aid Workers in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted on Tuesday that Israel had mistakenly killed seven individuals affiliated with the aid charity World Central Kitchen (WCK) in a Gaza airstrike. 

The incident, which claimed the lives of citizens from Australia, Britain, Poland, and Palestinians, along with a dual citizen of the United States and Canada, has sparked outrage and demands for explanations from the international community.

Netanyahu expressed “sincere sorrow” over the incident, emphasizing that it occurred unintentionally during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. 

He assured that a thorough inquiry would be conducted to prevent such occurrences in the future. The Israeli military also pledged to launch an investigation led by an independent and expert body.

The strike targeted a World Central Kitchen convoy, which included staff traveling in armored vehicles clearly marked with the charity’s logo. WCK, founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, had coordinated its movements with the Israeli military, raising questions about the circumstances leading to the fatal airstrike.

International leaders, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, condemned the deaths of their citizens and called for transparent, independent investigations into the incident. 

The United States, Israel’s closest ally, expressed outrage over the deaths and emphasized Israel’s obligation to ensure the safety of aid workers in Gaza.

U.S. President Joe Biden personally reached out to Jose Andres to offer condolences, with the White House indicating that Washington would push Israel to enhance protection for aid workers. 

Secretary of State Antony Blinken hailed the aid workers as heroes and stressed the need for their safety amid the conflict in Gaza.

The United Nations, alarmed by the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire. 

The aid convoy, hit as it was leaving a warehouse in Deir al-Balah after unloading over 100 tons of food aid, underscores the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in delivering crucial assistance in conflict zones.

In response to the tragedy, World Central Kitchen announced a pause in its operations in Gaza, while the United Arab Emirates, a key supporter of WCK’s seaborne food deliveries to Gaza, suspended shipments pending safety assurances from Israel and a comprehensive investigation.

Chioma Kalu.

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