Gaza Inquiry: Israel Under Pressure to Publish Complete Report on Aid Worker Deaths
World Central Kitchen (WCK) has urged for an independent inquiry into the killing of seven of its personnel by Israeli drone strikes in Gaza. This appeal comes after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged “grave mistakes” that resulted in the tragic targeting of the humanitarian workers. While an Israeli military investigation led to the dismissal of two senior officers, WCK’s CEO emphasized the need for an impartial probe, expressing skepticism about the IDF’s capacity to investigate its own actions credibly.
Erin Gore, CEO of WCK, stressed that the IDF’s apologies were insufficient for the victims’ families and the global WCK community. She insisted that Israel must take tangible measures to ensure the safety of aid workers in Gaza, where several organizations have suspended operations due to the fatalities. Pressure mounts on Israel from key Western allies to disclose the full findings of its inquiry, which remain undisclosed.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken disclosed that the US is meticulously reviewing the Israeli report. He emphasized the importance of not only assessing the steps taken by Israel but also the outcomes of these actions. In light of the airstrike that claimed the lives of aid workers, a group of more than three dozen US lawmakers, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, urged President Biden to reconsider authorizing an arms package transfer to Israel until an investigation into the incident is conducted, or until Israel demonstrates adequate measures to minimize harm to innocent civilians in Gaza.
The tragic incident occurred on April 1st, when seven aid workers were killed by three missiles that targeted their vehicles during humanitarian operations. The IDF admitted to a series of mistakes and miscommunications, which led to the misidentification of the aid workers as Hamas operatives. While the IDF expressed regret and acknowledged operational failures, the incident underscored broader concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict. The deaths of the aid workers have intensified international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in the war, prompting calls for greater accountability and transparency in military operations to prevent further civilian casualties.
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