PARIS: The United States, France and Britain led international criticism on Tuesday of a deadly Israeli strike in the Gaza Strip that killed seven charity staff as they unloaded desperately needed humanitarian aid brought by sea to the war-torn Palestinian territory.
World Central Kitchen, one of the NGOs leading efforts to deliver aid by boat, confirmed that the strike carried out by Israel, resulted in the deaths of staff from Australia, Britain, Palestine, Poland, and the US-Canada.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for a “swift, impartial investigation” into the airstrike, emphasizing the need for Israel to enhance protections for innocent Palestinian civilians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strike was “unintentional”.
French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne echoed Blinken’s sentiments, stressing the moral and legal imperative to safeguard humanitarian workers. US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson expressed Washington’s deep concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for a transparent investigation.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron urged Israel to conduct an immediate investigation and provide a comprehensive explanation of the events. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed shock and sadness over the death of a British citizen in the attack.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denounced the “completely unacceptable” attack and extended sincere condolences to the family of Australian volunteer Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom, who lost her life in the strike.
Jose Andres, the founder of World Central Kitchen, condemned the attack as “indiscriminate killing,” emphasizing the need for Israel to halt civilian casualties and restrictions on humanitarian aid.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez demanded clarification from the Israeli government regarding the circumstances of the attack, while the EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called for an investigation into the incident.
Warsaw sought urgent explanations from Israel regarding the death of a Polish citizen in the attack and initiated its inquiry. Criticism also emerged from Beijing, which expressed shock over the strike.
The blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza since October 7 has severely restricted the delivery of humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations.
