Being a resident in Gaza has proved lethal not merely for civilians eking out a wretched existence.  Mortality rates among journalists, medical staff, and aid workers have been egregiously high since Israel’s military opened its account after the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023.  (In truth, Israel’s account regarding striking, bombing and embargoing this little strip of territory has been open for decades.)  The regularity of killings, largely at the hands of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), negatives the claim that there isn’t a policy or approach in place that forgoes the rigours of international humanitarian law in favour of murderous resolution.  The IDF, and its foam flecked supporters, always insist that international law is something observed, though no one quite seems to know what version is being applied. 

The killing of seven staff working for World Central Kitchen on April 1, 2024 illustrates the matter in grimmest fashion.  Members of the charity – three Britons, a dual US-Canadian national, a Pole, an Australian and a Palestinian – had unloaded humanitarian food supplies from Cyprus intended for residents in Gaza. 

The killing of seven staff working for World Central Kitchen on April 1, 2024 illustrates the matter in grimmest fashion.  Members of the charity – three Britons, a dual US-Canadian national, a Pole, an Australian and a Palestinian – had unloaded humanitarian food supplies from Cyprus intended for residents in Gaza. 

Their convoy, with the WCK logo prominently displayed on the vehicles, was travelling in a designated “deconflicted” zone when it was attacked by three missiles fired from a Hermes 450 drone.  The charity had also been coordinating their movements with the IDF with their usual diligence.  

On........

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