Bodies of 6 foreign aid workers slain in Israeli strikes are transported out of Gaza

The Bodies of Six Foreign Aid Workers Killed in Israeli Airstrikes Begin Journey Home

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The bodies of six foreign aid workers killed in Israeli airstrikes began the journey back to their home countries Wednesday as more questions swirled over Israel’s explanation that a “misidentification” led to the attack on their convoy.

Renewed Criticism of Israel’s Conduct in the War with Hamas

The deadly strikes renewed criticism of Israel’s conduct in the nearly 6-month-old war with Hamas and highlighted the risks that the military’s bombardment poses to aid workers as they try to deliver food to the besieged enclave. The U.N. says nearly a third of the Gaza population is on the brink of starvation.

Foreign Aid Workers and Their Palestinian Driver Killed

The three British citizens, a Polish citizen, an Australian, and a Canadian American dual citizen worked for World Central Kitchen, an international charity founded by celebrity chef José Andrés. Their Palestinian driver was also killed, and his remains were handed over to his family for burial in Gaza.

Bodies Transported Out of Gaza

The other bodies were driven into Egypt through the Rafah crossing, according to the Palestinian Crossings Authority, which oversees border crossings.

Israel’s Explanation and Independent Investigation

Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, announced the results of a preliminary investigation. “It was a mistake that followed a misidentification — at night during a war in very complex conditions. It shouldn’t have happened.” He gave no further details. He said an independent body would complete a “thorough investigation” in the coming days.

World Central Kitchen’s Coordinated Movements and Marked Vehicles

World Central Kitchen said it had coordinated its movements with the military, and the vehicles were marked with the organization’s logo.

International Reaction and Calls for Clarification

Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, said Israel’s explanation so far was “absolutely unacceptable and insufficient” and called for “much more detailed clarification of what happened.” Some of Israel’s closest allies condemned the deaths, which led the World Central Kitchen and other charities to suspend food deliveries, citing the dire security situation.

Repeated Strikes on Aid Vehicles and Humanitarian Group Offices

The military has repeatedly struck aid vehicles and ambulances, as well as humanitarian group offices and U.N. facilities, often justifying the attacks by saying suspected militants were present. The military says strikes are first cleared by legal experts, but critics have called the bombardment indiscriminate with little regard for civilian casualties. More than 180 humanitarian workers have been killed in the conflict, according to the U.N.

Concerns Over Wider Conflict and Growing Isolation

Israel faces growing isolation as international criticism of its Gaza assault has mounted. On the same day as the deadly airstrikes, Israel stirred more fears by apparently striking Iran’s consulate in Damascus, killing two Iranian generals. The government also moved to shut down a foreign media outlet — Qatari-owned Al Jazeera television. The hit on World Central Kitchen’s convoy threatened to set back efforts by the U.S. and other countries to open a maritime corridor for aid from Cyprus to help ease the desperate conditions in northern Gaza. Israel has severely restricted access to the north, where experts say famine is imminent.

U.S. President Joe Biden’s Criticism and Scheduled Call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

U.S. President Joe Biden issued unusually blunt criticism of Israel, expressing outrage over the strikes and saying Israel “has not done enough to protect aid workers.” Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are scheduled to speak Thursday amid growing White House frustration with Israel’s prosecution of the war and in the aftermath of Monday’s airstrikes.

International Reactions and Concerns

International reaction has been “extremely harsh, and it’s justified,” said Dr. Maya Sion-Tzidkiyahu, an expert in Israel-Europe relations. “The credit that we had after Oct. 7 has already dwindled, and now it’s dwindled so much more.”

Continued Violence and Casualties

Nearly 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s assault in Gaza, around two-thirds of them women and children, according to the territory’s Health Ministry. Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks killed some 1,200 people and resulted in around 250 being taken hostage. Hamas still holds an estimated 100 hostages and the remains of around 30 others, after most of the rest were freed last year in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
• SDG 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
• SDG 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 2.1: Prevalence of undernourishment (not explicitly mentioned in the article, but implied by the statement that nearly a third of the Gaza population is on the brink of starvation).
• Indicator for SDG 3.8: Proportion of population with access to essential health services (not explicitly mentioned in the article, but implied by the mention of aid workers delivering food and the need for medical assistance in Gaza).
• Indicator for SDG 16.1: Number of direct conflict-related deaths per 100,000 population (mentioned in the article that more than 180 humanitarian workers have been killed in the conflict).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: apnews.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.