The Foreign Secretary has demanded a “full transparent explanation” from Israel following an air strike in Gaza that killed seven aid workers, one is a British.
World Central Kitchen (WCK) who are a non-profit organisation (NGO) said that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) carried out the air strike even though they were “co-ordinating” their movements with the Israeli military.
Lord David Cameron said, “The news of the air strike that killed World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers in Gaza is deeply distressing.
“British Nationals are reported to have been killed, we are urgently working to verify this information and will provide full support to their families.
🚨BREAKING: It has now been confirmed that the the aid workers targeted by Israel were travelling in a “deconflicted zone” in two armoured vehicles that were branded with the WCK logo and that it had *coordinated their movements with the Israeli military*…
World Central Kitchen… pic.twitter.com/dugL9vjvFr
— Pelham (@Resist_05) April 2, 2024
“These were people who were working to deliver life-saving aid to those who desperately need it.
“It is essential that humanitarian workers are protected and able to carry out their work.
“We have called on Israel to immediately investigate and provide a full, transparent explanation of what happened.”
WCK chief executive Erin Gore said in a statement: “This is not only an attack against WCK, this is an attack on humanitarian organisations showing up in the most dire of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war.
“This is unforgivable.
“I am heartbroken and appalled that we – World Central Kitchen and the world – lost beautiful lives today because of a targeted attack by the IDF.
“The love they had for feeding people, the determination they embodied to show that humanity rises above all and the impact they made in countless lives will forever be remembered and cherished.”
The IDF said they are “carrying out an in-depth examination at the highest levels to understand the circumstances of this tragic incident.”
Speaking to the PA news agency, Alicia Kearns, chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee said, “My heart goes out to all those whose lives have been lost working to reduce the suffering of others, the news is heartbreaking and protection of humanitarian workers is fundamental.
“There needs to be a thorough and swift investigation as to how this happened and what impact it will have on the ability of the maritime corridor to function given it is World Central Kitchen who were receiving and distributing the desperately needed aid.
“There is also still no explanation for the bombing of the Medical Aid for Palestine complex in a safe zone, which had also been deconflicted directly with the IDF in January, which four British doctors fortunately survived.
“Humanitarian agencies must be given the assurances they need that their people will be protected.”
