Israeli President Herzog issues landmark apology for U.S.aid workers in Gaza
Israeli President Herzog extends condolences and apologies to U.S.-based chef Jose Andres over Gaza aid worker deaths
Israeli President Herzog issues a landmark apology, marking the first time for civilian deaths, specifically addressing the strike that claimed the lives of 7 U.S. based international aid workers, rather than the broader context of nearly 33,000 Palestinian deaths.
Herzog conveyed his condolences and apologies directly to Jose Andres, the renowned U.S.-based chef leading the aid organization World Central Kitchen, expressing his “deep sorrow and sincere apologies over the tragic loss of life”.
This airstrike targeted members of the U.S.-based World Central Kitchen (WCK), actively engaged in providing food aid in war-torn Gaza. The victims included nationals from Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, a dual U.S.-Canada citizen, and Palestine.
“Unfortunately, on the last day, there was a tragic case of our forces unintentionally hitting innocent people in the Gaza Strip. We will investigate it right to the end… We are in contact with the governments and will do everything so that this thing does not happen again” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated.
The incident has sparked widespread international condemnation, including from the United States, a longstanding ally of Israel. Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the National Security Council, emphasized the imperative of safeguarding humanitarian aid workers, highlighting the critical nature of the assistance they provide.
Nearly 33,000 Palestinians killed since the war on Gaza began
Tensions have soared across the West Bank following Israel’s military offensive against the Gaza Strip, initiated after a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The Health Ministry reports that over 456 Palestinians have been killed and approximately 4,750 others injured due to Israeli army actions in the occupied territory.
Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), with calls for more significant efforts to prevent famine in Gaza, where nearly 33,000 people have lost their lives.
According to the Education Ministry, Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip and West Bank have claimed the lives of over 6,000 Palestinian students since October.
Beyond the death toll, Israel’s offensive and blockade of the Strip have exacerbated conditions, leading to near-famine among over 2 million Palestinians. Additionally, there have been reports of attacks targeting aid workers and civilians seeking humanitarian assistance.
Gaza aid worker deaths outpace annual conflict casualties in past 20 years
