Charity boss says Israel targeted staff 'car bar car', Israel minister denies it

Emergency Case 4 April, 2024 11:10

Celebrity chef Jose Andres told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday that an Israeli attack that killed seven of his food aid workers in Gaza had targeted them "systematically, car by car."

Speaking via video, Andres said the World Central Kitchen (WCK) charity group he founded had clear communication with the Israeli military, which he said knew his aid workers' movements.

"This was not just a bad luck situation where ‘oops’ we dropped the bomb in the wrong place," Andres told Reuters.

"This was over a 1.5, 1.8 kilometers, with a very defined humanitarian convoy that had signs in the top, in the roof, a very colorful logo that we are obviously very proud of," he added.

Andres said the IDF was aware of the convoy’s whereabouts.

The aid workers were killed on April 1 when their convoy was hit shortly after they oversaw the unloading of 100 tons of food brought to Gaza by sea. Israel says the strikes which killed the workers were a "grave mistake" and has promised an investigation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident unintentional.

Three of the killed aid workers were British nationals. A Polish national, an Australian, a Palestinian and a dual US-Canadian citizen were also killed.

An Israeli cabinet minister has denied claims Israeli forces deliberately targeted seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers in Gaza. Nir Barkat, Israel's minister of economy, told BBC News that Andrés' comments were "nonsense".

Speaking to BBC Chief Presenter Caitríona Perry, Barkat said Israel was "terribly sorry" about killing the seven aid workers, but that "unfortunately, in wars friendly fire happens".

At least 196 humanitarian workers have been killed in Gaza since October, according to the United Nations.