Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging that the military “unintentionally struck innocent people”…reports Asian Lite News
In a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conveyed his deep concern regarding an Israeli strike on an aid convoy in Gaza.
The attack resulted in the loss of seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen, including three British nationals. In an official statement from Downing Street, Sunak emphasised the urgent need for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the incident.
“The Prime Minister said far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and the situation is increasingly intolerable,” the statement said.
“The UK expects to see immediate action by Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid, deconflict with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians and repair vital infrastructure like hospitals and water networks,” it added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging that the military “unintentionally struck innocent people.” The Israel Defence Forces have pledged to conduct an investigation “at the highest levels” in response to the tragic event.
Summons for Israeli envoy
Meanwhile, the government summoned the Israeli ambassador to London for a decisive discussion. British Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, summoned the Israel’s ambassador to set out the government’s “unequivocal condemnation of the appalling killing of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, including three British nationals,” he said in a Foreign Office press release.
“I requested a quick and transparent investigation, shared with the international community, and full accountability,” Mitchell said, adding, “I reiterated the need for Israel to put in place an effective deconfliction mechanism immediately and urgently to scale up humanitarian access. We need to see an immediate humanitarian pause, to get aid in and the hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable ceasefire.”
Earlier reports revealed that seven members of the World Central Kitchen team were killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza, prompting the organisation to halt its operations in the region with immediate effect.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging that the military “unintentionally struck innocent people.” The Israel Defence Forces have pledged to conduct an investigation “at the highest levels” in response to the tragic event.
A US-Canadian dual citizen was among the casualties of the strike, confirmed by a US official, adding to the international outcry over the loss of life.
Experts analysing the aftermath of the airstrike have raised concerns about the nature of the attack. Chris Cobb-Smith, an explosive weapons expert, suggested that the heavy damage inflicted on the vehicles, as depicted in video and images from the scene, was consistent with the use of “highly accurate drone-fired missiles.” He emphasised the significant level of destruction witnessed and expressed scepticism about the incident being accidental.
Cobb-Smith’s observations were supported by Patrick Senft, a research coordinator at Armament Research Services (ARES), who noted that the aftermath of the strike appeared to align with the deployment of munitions by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
“Without munition fragments, I can’t say anything for certain, but the damage to the vehicles appears consistent with precision-guided munitions with a small explosive payload,” Senft said.
Herzog speaks with World Central Kitchen founder
President of Israel Isaac Herzog spoke Tuesday evening with World Central Kitchen (WCK) founder Chef Jose Andres.
President Herzog expressed his “deep sorrow and sincere apologies” over the tragic deaths of Seven WCK staff in the Gaza Strip Monday night and sent his condolences to their families and loved ones.
The President reiterated Israel’s commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation of the tragedy, which occurred amidst the ongoing war against the terrorist organisation Hamas.
He also affirmed Israel’s commitment to delivering and upgrading humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, and said that efforts must continue to bring about the immediate release of all the hostages held by Hamas.
President Herzog thanked Chef Andres and the WCK for their commitment to the wellbeing of Israelis and Palestinians, and to the values of humanity.
IDF chief apologises
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has apologised for the airstrike on an aid convoy in Gaza that led to the death of seven workers of World Control Kitchen (WCK).
In a statement late Tuesday, IDF chief Herzi Halevi said that seven employees of the World Central Kitchen were killed on Monday night. The mishap occurred due to “misidentification” and an investigation has been launched.
Halevi further said that WCK is an important organisation that worked in conflict areas and the IDF had worked closely with it in the past.
He also said that the IDF has already completed its preliminary probe into the strike and the findings were shared with him.
There were “no intentions” for harming the WCK aid workers, added the IDF chief.
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