Israel Defence Force
The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) has released a preliminary report regarding the tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers in Gaza. The strike, which targeted World Central Kitchen (WCK) vehicles, has been deemed a “grave mistake” by the IDF.
Incident Details
On April 1, three aid vehicles operated by World Central Kitchen were attacked, resulting in the loss of lives. Among the victims were three Britons, an American-Canadian dual citizen, and workers from Poland, Palestine, and Australia.
Mistaken Identification and Errors
The IDF investigation revealed critical errors in the decision-making process. According to the report, forces on the ground initially identified a gunman near one of the aid trucks. Subsequently, they spotted a second gunman. A commander then “mistakenly assumed” that both gunmen were located “inside the accompanying vehicles” after the vehicles had left the warehouse where aid supplies were unloaded.
Tragically, the commander believed that these gunmen were affiliated with Hamas, leading to the fatal strike on the WCK vehicles. The IDF acknowledges that the forces failed to correctly identify the vehicles as associated with World Central Kitchen.
Violation of Standard Operating Procedures
The report states that the attack was “in serious violation” of military commands and standard operating procedures. The IDF emphasises that the incident should not have occurred and that the strike was contrary to established protocols.
High-Ranking Officials Dismissed
As a consequence of this grave error, several high-ranking officials within the IDF have been dismissed. The IDF is committed to ensuring accountability and preventing such tragedies in the future.
Calls for Improved Procedures
Humanitarian organisations worldwide have expressed their condolences for the aid workers’ families and called for enhanced training and procedures to prevent similar incidents. World Central Kitchen, known for its emergency food relief efforts, has also urged greater vigilance in identifying aid vehicles during conflict situations.
World Central Kitchen demands an independent investigation
It is an “important step” that the IDF has claimed responsibility for the attacks and the “fatal errors” it made, World Central Kitchen has said in response to the report, but it has reiterated its demands for an independent investigation.
