Two Israeli officers were fired by Israeli military for a “mistake” that took the lives of seven food aid workers.
The seven workers, from World Central Kitchen, were part of a convoy of three vehicles in Gaza. Two vehicles were hit, killing the volunteers, including one American, USA Today reported.
The incident, which sparked international outrage, was the result of a mistake.
The inquiry found Israeli forces hit the convoy because they believed they were targeting “Hamas operatives,” per the outlet.
Two of the vehicles had the charity’s logo on the roofs so Israeli forces would know not to strike them, the IJR previously reported.
“The investigation’s findings indicate that the incident should not have occurred,” said an Israeli military statement on the findings Thursday. “The strike on the aid vehicles is a grave mistake stemming from a serious failure due to a mistaken identification, errors in decision-making, and an attack contrary to the Standard Operating Procedures.”
Herzi Halevi, the Israeli military’s chief of the general staff, then fired the brigade fire support commander and the brigade chief of staff. He also said many senior commanders were “formally reprimanded.”
The World Central Kitchen said in a statement it welcomed Israel’s decision to dismiss and reprimand those involved in the strikes but more is needed to be done.
“It’s not enough to simply try to avoid further humanitarian deaths, which have now approached close to 200,” said WCK founder and celebrity chef José Andrés. “All civilians need to be protected, and all innocent people in Gaza need to be fed and safe. And all hostages must be released.”
And more help is needed regarding food supplies.
“The root cause of the unjustified rocket fire on our convoy is the severe lack of food in Gaza. Israel needs to dramatically increase the volume of food and medicine traveling by land if it is serious about supporting humanitarian aid,” Andrés said.
USA Today reported the findings were presented to Halevi after a phone call between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Biden said that U.S. support in the Gaza war depends on “immediate” steps to “protect civilians and aid workers,” per the outlet.
The Israeli government then announced plans to increase aid into Gaza and increase aid deliveries from Jordan.
“As the president said today on the call, U.S. policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these and other steps, including steps to protect innocent civilians and the safety of aid workers,” National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said after Israel’s announcement.
