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Aid workers killed due to ‘lack of discipline’ by Israeli commanders: Report
Israel’s Haaretz newspaper reports that sources in the Israeli military have blamed the killing of seven aid workers in Gaza “on a lack of discipline on the part of commanders in the field”.
Contradicting claims by Israel’s Ministry of Defence that “a lack of coordination” between the military and humanitarian organisations was to blame for the killings of the World Central Kitchen staff, military sources told Haaretz that “the problem lies in the activity of officers in violation of procedures”.
A source in Israel’s intelligence division told the newspaper: “In Gaza, everyone sets the rules for themselves”.
UN Special Rapporteur for Palestine Francesca Albanese said she believed the Israeli military “intentionally killed” the aid workers to scare humanitarian relief donors and ensure the continued starvation of Palestinians in Gaza.
US officials express doubt over Israeli claims on convoy killings: Report
American officials, speaking anonymously to US news outlet Politico, expressed scepticism at Israeli claims that the aid worker killings were “unintentional” and whether those responsible would be held to account.
One unnamed administration official, who previously worked with World Central Kitchen founder Joe Andres, highlighted the killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, a longtime correspondent with Al Jazeera.
Overwhelming evidence shows that an Israeli soldier deliberately targeted Abu Akleh and shot her dead as she reported in the occupied West Bank two years ago. No Israeli troops have ever been punished for her murder, however.
“[Israel will] do and say whatever is necessary to maintain the status quo, and I have little hope their investigation will be transparent or honest,” the official is quoted as saying.
Noting that three missiles were used in the convoy attack, another American official said it appeared intentional. “Three hits on three cars in a row is not an accident. We aren’t stupid.”
Denouncement of deliberate attacks on humanitarian workers in Gaza
Former UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness said the killing of the seven staff members with World Central Kitchen comes on top of the killing of more than 170 workers with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in Gaza.
“To be clear about what happened with the World Central Kitchen staff, this was a deliberate, calculated, premeditated massacre of innocent humanitarian workers,” Gunness told Al Jazeera.
“I hope that these attacks are investigated and that there is a full and transparent investigation,” Gunness said.
“Not by the Israeli army, because for years we’ve seen attacks on humanitarian workers in Gaza. Not just UNRWA … but others. And we have never seen any proper individual, criminal liability; accountability for these attacks,” he said.
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