'Unforgivable': IDF opens probe after seven aid workers killed in central Gaza

• Published date: 02 April 2024
• Author: JERUSALEM POST STAFF
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

According to Palestinian reports, the IDF struck a civilian car the aid workers were in on a road near the beach. Airstrikes were also reported by Palestinian media in a separate part of Deir al-Balah at around the same time

IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari spoke with WCK founder Chef Jose Anders on Tuesday, expressing his condolences to the families of the victims and the organization.

"As a professional military committed to international law, we are committed to examining our operations thoroughly and transparently," said Hagari. "We also express sincere sorrow to our allied nations who have been doing and continue to do so much to assist those in need."

Hagari stressed that the IDF is reviewing the incident "at the highest levels" to understand what happened. "We will be opening a probe to examine this serious incident further. This will help us reduce the risk of such an event from occurring again."

IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari speaks about the investigation into the strike in which WCK aid workers were killed. (Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

The IDF spokesperson added that the incident will be investigated in the Fact Finding and Assessment Mechanism: an independent, professional, and expert body.

"For the last few months, the IDF has been working closely with the World Central Kitchen to assist them in fulfilling their noble mission of helping bring food and humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza," said Hagari. "WCK also came to help Israelis after the massacre of October 7th; they were one of the first NGOs here. The work of WCK is critical; they are on the frontlines of humanity. We will get to the bottom of this and we will share our findings transparently."

Responses to the strike

The WCK, which provides food in disaster areas, confirmed that seven of its workers were killed in an IDF strike in Gaza on Tuesday, adding that it was pausing operations in the region "immediately."

"We will be making decisions about the future of our work soon," added...