Israeli Officer Defends Strike That Killed Seven World Central Kitchen Aid Workers in Gaza
The Israeli officer who ordered the 2024 drone strike that killed seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers in Gaza has defended the decision, saying he is “not sorry” for the attack.
Colonel Nochi Mendel, who commanded the operation, told Australia’s ABC that he personally gave the order to strike the convoy on April 1, 2024. The victims included Palestinian, British, Australian, Canadian and Polish nationals.
Mendel said the workers were not intentionally targeted but maintained that he stood by his decision. He was later removed from his position following the attack.
The Israeli military previously described the strike as the result of serious failures, including breaches of operational procedures and rules of engagement. However, Israel recently announced that it would not open a criminal investigation into the incident.
The decision drew strong criticism from the UK, Canada and Australia, which called the refusal to investigate “shameful” and said the victims and their families deserved justice and accountability.
Mendel also alleged that WCK had connections with Hamas, claiming there was an “intermingling” between the organisation and Hamas operatives. WCK rejected the allegations as false and outrageous, saying they were an attempt to shift responsibility away from the Israeli military.
The aid organisation called for a full and independent investigation into the deaths of its seven workers.
