The head of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has apologized for a “grave mistake” after seven aid workers were killed by an Israeli air strike.
Israel launched devastating strikes on the warehouse in Deir al-Balah, south of Gaza City, as it continues its military campaign aimed at “destroying Hamas.”
The aid workers were working with World Central Kitchen (WCK) to deliver food to starving Gazans.
They were a US-Canadian citizen, named as Jacob Flicklinger, as well as three Britons, an Australian, a Polish national and a Palestinian.
IDF chief Herzi Halevi said that the bombing “shouldn’t have happened” and that there will be a “thorough investigation.”
READ MORE: Wild moment Israeli protesters storm Benjamin Netanyahu’s house
Three vehicles were hit, at least one of which had the WCK logo printed across its roof. The vehicle was left with a huge hole in the roof following the attack.
Israeli security forces have told Haaretz that they had followed the vehicle and had reason to believe a Hamas operative was traveling with the vehicles.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has addressed the strike, branding it “unintended” and promising aid workers will not be killed again.
Gaza’s humanitarian crisis could also worsen as ships carrying 240 tonnes of food aid have been told to turn around after the bombing.
US President Joe Biden has said Israel is not doing enough to protect aid workers while British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said he is “appalled”.
Sunak added: “We’re asking Israel to investigate what happened urgently, because clearly there are questions that need to be answered.”
