Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted that Israeli armed forces unintentionally killed seven aid workers in an airstrike in Gaza. He expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging that such tragedies can occur during wartime. Netanyahu assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to prevent such incidents from happening again.
International Backlash and Suspension of Aid Operations
Netanyahu’s admission follows a significant international backlash, particularly from allies like the United States and Britain. The aid workers were tragically killed in a strike while unloading vital aid in Gaza, a territory heavily affected by conflict. World Central Kitchen, a prominent NGO involved in the aid efforts, suspended its operations in Gaza following the loss of seven staff members.
Identity of Victims and Heartbreaking Response
The victims of the strike hailed from various nationalities, including Australian, British, Palestinian, Polish, and US-Canadian. Footage from the scene depicted the bodies of the aid workers, some wearing protective gear with the charity’s logo, at a hospital in Deir al-Balah. Celebrity chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, expressed heartbreak over the loss of his colleagues and called for an end to indiscriminate killing and restrictions on humanitarian aid.
International Response and Call for Protection of Aid Workers
The United States, Israel’s primary ally, expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing the need to protect humanitarian aid workers. The US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson stated that aid workers must be safeguarded as they deliver essential assistance to those in need. The tragic event has sparked calls for greater protection of civilians and aid workers in conflict zones.
Netanyahu’s acknowledgment of the unintentional killing of aid workers in Gaza highlights the devastating impact of conflict on innocent lives. As investigations continue and international scrutiny intensifies, there is a pressing need for measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers delivering vital assistance in war-torn regions.
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