The Israeli military’s decision to dismiss two officers for their involvement in drone strikes in central Gaza that resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers underscores the importance of adhering to rules of engagement and handling critical information accurately.
The internal investigation’s findings highlight the complexity and challenges faced in such conflict situations.
The United States-based charity, World Central Kitchen (WCK), expressed dissatisfaction with Israel’s apologies for the tragic killing of their colleagues, stating that they offer little solace for the loss endured.
WCK CEO Erin Gore emphasised the need for Israel to implement tangible measures to ensure the safety of humanitarian aid workers, stating that their operations remain suspended.
The Israeli military explained that one of the commanders mistakenly believed that gunmen were inside the accompanying vehicles after they left the warehouse where the aid had been unloaded, presuming them to be Hamas terrorists.
The Israeli military described the strike on the aid vehicles as a significant error resulting from mistaken identification, lapses in decision-making, and a departure from Standard Operating Procedures.
The Israeli military called the strike on the aid vehicles “a grave mistake stemming from a serious failure due to a mistaken identification, errors in decision-making, and an attack contrary to the Standard Operating Procedures.”
Al Jazeera’s Rory Challands, reporting from occupied East Jerusalem, pointed out that the Israeli military report made no mention of potential legal action against the dismissed officers.
“That might come in the future, but it’s certainly not contained in the report,” he declared. “What we’re getting is dismissals and military reprimands. But that’s not necessarily justice for the family and friends of the people who died.”
The Israeli military stated that from the brigade responsible for the incident, the fire support commander, holding the rank of major, and the chief of staff, holding the rank of colonel in reserve, were dismissed.
WCK has urged the establishment of an independent commission to probe the killing of its colleagues, asserting that the Israeli military “cannot credibly investigate its own failure in Gaza”.
“It’s not enough to simply try to avoid further humanitarian deaths, which have now approached close to 200,” said WCK founder Jose Andres.
“All civilians need to be protected, and all innocent people in Gaza need to be fed and safe. And all hostages must be released.”
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