Israel fires two officers for shelling humanitarian convoy

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) statedthat two officers who were involved in the drone strike on a humanitarian convoy in the Gaza Strip on April 1 have been fired. The attack killed seven employees of the American non-profit organization World Central Kitchen, which was delivering humanitarian aid and food to the Gaza Strip – citizens of different countries. The attack on the convoy caused outrage in many countries, including the United States.

The IDF admitted responsibility and on April 5 released details of its internal investigation into the fatal incident. According to the investigation, IDF commanders mistakenly decided that one of the humanitarian organization’s vehicles that was passing through the Gaza Strip contained a member of the US and EU-recognized terrorist group Hamas, with which Israel is fighting in the Gaza Strip. In addition, the military was unable to determine that the machines belonged to World Central Kitchen. As a result of an error, the officers decided to strike three vehicles of the humanitarian organization. The investigation does not say whether the perpetrators will face additional responsibility other than dismissal.

The humanitarian organization itself, in response to the IDF statements, noted that despite the fact that Israel admitted guilt, its investigation is not independent. “We demand the establishment of an independent commission to investigate the killings of our colleagues at World Central Kitchen. The IDF cannot credibly investigate its own failure in the Gaza Strip,” the statement said. published on the organization’s website.

The shelling of a humanitarian convoy in the Gaza Strip – against the backdrop of a long-term military operation in which civilians in the strip were also killed – caused a flurry of international criticism of the Israeli leadership. US President Joe Biden said on Thursday that if Israel does not act to resolve the crisis, it will “face the consequences.” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted after the incident that “US policy towards Israel will be determined by what steps the government takes to protect civilians in Gaza.” Against the background of pressure from Western countries, the Israeli authorities on April 5 approved the opening of two new humanitarian corridors to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip.

Israel’s operation in the Gaza Strip has been ongoing since October last year in response to a Hamas incursion into the south of the country that killed more than 1,200 people. Israel still does not control part of the Gaza Strip, and Hamas still holds more than 100 hostages. There are increasing calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.