Israeli officers dismissed for strike on aid workers

The Israel Defense Forces on Friday said it concluded an internal investigation into an IDF attack on aid trucks that killed seven World Central Kitchen humanitarian workers. Brigade leaders on Monday prompted the attack by misclassifying the three WCK aid trucks as having Hamas operatives inside them, according to the investigation report. The strikes were in serious violation of IDF operation procedures, the investigation found. The IDF dismissed a brigade fire support commander who held the rank of major, and the brigade chief of staff, who held the rank of colonel in reserve. Military leadership also formally remanded several other commanders.

What made the brigade think Hamas operatives were inside the trucks? During an operation to transfer humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, IDF forces thought they identified a gunman on one of the aid trucks, according to the report. A gunman was identified as the trucks arrived at a warehouse. Commanders assumed the men to be Hamas militants, and that they were inside the trucks as they departed the warehouse after unloading. IDF troops did not identify the trucks as being affiliated with the WCK and initiated a drone strike, which the investigation described as a grave mistake.

How has the World Central Kitchen responded? The organization on Friday said the investigation and dismissal of officers were an important step forward. However, WCK also called for an independent commission to investigate the aid worker deaths. Israel can not credibly investigate its failings in Gaza, according to the WCK statement The group also called for system-wide change from the IDF, saying that the aid group was attacked despite following communication protocols and without the IDF having any proof of threat. CEO Erin Gore described Israeli apologies as a cold comfort. The humanitarian group has suspended its operations in Gaza as a result of the strike and has not said if and when they will resume.

U.S. President Joe Biden had earlier pushed for protocol reforms to protect civilians and aid workers during a Thursday phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Biden had hinted at pulling back support from Israel, telling Netanyahu that U.S. policy in regard to Gaza would be determined by Israel’s action towards implementing those protections. He further pushed for an immediate cease-fire and a deal to bring hostages home.

Dig deeper: Read Grace Snell and Elizabeth Russell’s report in WORLD Magazine on Biden’s softening his pro-Israel stance as Palestinian casualties and political pushback mount.