In a video message, Benjamin Netanyahu commented that these things happen in war
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that the attack on workers at World Central Kitchen, an aid organization in Gaza, was an “accident”. The Israeli military expressed its “heartfelt sorrow” over the death of seven aid workers on Tuesday. In a video message, Netanyahu commented that such incidents are normal in war.
The US and other allies have demanded an explanation from Israel amid widespread condemnation of the killing of the aid workers, Reuters reported.
It’s almost six months since Israel invaded and occupied Gaza. International pressure is mounting on the Israeli military to reduce the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the region. Israel may come under more pressure after this incident.
The seven workers killed in the attack on the World Central Kitchen relief vehicle last Monday are – dual citizens of the United States and Canada, as well as citizens of Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom and Palestine. Workers at WCK, founded by star chef José Andrés, were attacked while driving through an isolated area in a vehicle bearing the company’s logo. Despite coordinating with the Israeli army, the group was attacked while leaving a warehouse in Deir al-Balah.
In a video message, Netanyahu said, “Unfortunately, a tragic incident occurred yesterday (April 1), in which our forces unintentionally harmed civilians in the Gaza Strip.” That’s what happens in war. We are conducting a thorough investigation and are in touch with the government. We will do everything to prevent such incidents from happening again.
The Israeli military has promised an investigation into the incident by “an independent, professional and expert body”.
At least 196 human rights workers have died in Gaza since last October, according to the United Nations. In addition, the Palestinian independence organization Hamas has accused Israel of attacking relief distribution centers.
On Tuesday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Netanyahu in a phone conversation that Britain was shocked by this death. Three of the dead were British. Britain is demanding a thorough and transparent independent investigation into the incident.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had expressed “anger and concern” to Netanyahu in a separate phone call.
Israel’s closest ally, the United States, has said there is no evidence Israel deliberately targeted aid workers. However, the US is outraged by the death and demands the safety of aid workers in Gaza. US President Joe Biden even called WCK founder Andres to express his condolences.