(TheIndependentStar.com) – A horrific case of mistaken identity that could have been prevented if proper procedures had been followed is being blamed for the Israeli airstrike that killed seven workers in a convoy attempting to deliver food and aid to innocent civilians in war-torn Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) fired two officers following a tragic incident earlier in the week, which resulted in the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers.
This action came after the Israeli Joint Chiefs of Staff investigated and determined the strike as a misidentification of a convoy carrying WCK staff as armed combatants which was a severe error that contravened established operational protocols.
The IDF described the attack on the aid convoy as a “grave mistake” rooted in incorrect identification, flawed decision-making, and actions that deviated from standard procedures.
This review was shared with Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, the IDF’s Chief of the General Staff, representatives from WCK, international diplomats and the media.
In response to the findings, Halevi discharged a major, who served as the brigade fire support commander, and a colonel in reserve, who held the position of brigade chief of staff.
The IDF expressed profound regret over the incident and extended condolences to the victims’ families and WCK affirmed its commitment to the essential work of international aid organizations and promised to ensure their safety and support their missions.
WCK acknowledged the IDF’s “important steps” in taking responsibility and implementing disciplinary actions. However, it criticized the IDF’s use of lethal force and called for significant reforms to prevent future military errors.
It also underscored the necessity of enhancing food and medicine supplies to Gaza to support humanitarian efforts.
While WCK called for an independent investigation, Secretary of State Antony Blinken also called for an independent investigation into the WCK strike.
Moreover, the attack underscored how deadly the Gaza war has been for humanitarian aid workers, as more than 200 of them have died since the conflict broke out in October.
WCK CEO Erin Gore described the IDF’s apologies as “cold comfort” and emphasized the continuous risk and loss endured by families and the organization.
Also, the Biden administration has urged Israel to improve humanitarian aid access to Gaza, with Joe Biden expressing significant concern over the raid and discussing the issue with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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