Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologised on Tuesday, April 2, for what he termed as a “unintentional” airstrike that killed a dual US-Canadian citizen and six other relief workers while delivering food in Gaza.
According to Spanish celebrity chef José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, the victims included citizens from the United Kingdom, Australia, and Poland.
Speaking in Hebrew in a video message released on X, Netanyahu said: “Unfortunately, on the last day, there was a tragic case of our forces unintentionally hitting innocent people in the Gaza Strip.”
“It happens in war, we check it to the end, we are in contact with the governments, and we will do everything so that this thing does not happen again,” he added.
The Israeli missile murdered six World Central Kitchen charity employees and their Palestinian driver as they drove in a three-car convoy in northern Gaza after delivering more than 100 tonnes of food.
The non-profit organisation alleged that its workers were targeted despite the convoy’s coordination with Israeli authorities.
Erin Gore, CEO of World Central Kitchen, stated in a statement that she was “appalled” by what she called “a targeted attack by the IDF,” which she described as “unforgivable.”
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World Central Kitchen said that it would halt operations in Gaza immediately, a decision that comes at a critical time, since Northern Gaza is thought to be on the verge of famine.
In his statement confirming the killings of his employees, Spanish celebrity chef José Andrés slammed Israel’s leadership.
“The Israeli government needs to stop this indiscriminate killing,” he said. “It needs to stop restricting humanitarian aid, stop killing civilians and aid workers, and stop using food as a weapon.”
World leaders have weighed in on the tragedy, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese demanding “full accountability” for the death of an Australian WCK worker named Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom.
The White House stated that it was “heartbroken and deeply troubled by the airstrike” and urged Israel to “swiftly investigate what happened.”
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was “shocked and saddened,” adding, “Clearly, there are questions that need to be answered.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
