Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged on Tuesday that the Israeli armed forces “unintentionally” killed seven aid workers in an air strike in Gaza. The admission comes amidst escalating tensions in the region and growing international concern over civilian casualties.
“In the last day, there was a tragic case of our forces unintentionally hitting innocent people in the Gaza Strip,” Netanyahu stated as he left the hospital in Jerusalem after a hernia operation. “It happens in war, we will investigate it right to the end… We are in contact with the governments, and we will do everything so that this thing does not happen again.”
The victims were employees of the US-based World Central Kitchen (WCK), an organization that has been delivering food aid to Gaza from Cyprus. The strike occurred on Monday, prompting WCK to halt its operations in Gaza temporarily. The aid workers killed hailed from various countries, including Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, a dual citizen of the US and Canada, and Palestine.
Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari expressed his condolences to WCK founder, celebrity chef Jose Andres, and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted. The Israeli military’s Fact Finding and Assessment Mechanism will lead the inquiry, with findings to be shared transparently.
The incident underscores the precarious situation in Gaza, where UN agencies have repeatedly warned of a looming humanitarian crisis. The region, particularly northern Gaza, is on the brink of famine due to longstanding conflicts and blockades, exacerbating the suffering of civilians.
The recent escalation in violence erupted following an attack on October 7, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. While Israeli officials cite the need to defend against threats posed by militant groups like Hamas, the toll on civilian lives has drawn condemnation and calls for accountability from the international community.
As tensions persist and efforts for peace remain elusive, the tragic loss of innocent lives serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in the region.
