IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi issued an apology early Wednesday for a devastating Israeli strike on an aid convoy in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of seven humanitarian workers, labeling the event as a consequence of “misidentification.” According to Halevi, the IDF has already conducted a preliminary examination of the strike.
“I want to be very clear—the strike was not carried out with the intention of harming WCK aid workers,” he said. “It was a mistake that followed a misidentification—at night during a war in very complex conditions. It shouldn’t have happened.”
The strike, occurring late Monday, targeted three vehicles belonging to the World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy, each hit sequentially by drone-fired missiles, marking yet another in a series of attacks affecting aid workers within the Strip amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Comparisons are being drawn to a previous mass casualty event involving another aid convoy in northern Gaza, which led to a significant international uproar and a decisive move by US President Joe Biden to establish a new maritime corridor for aid delivery.
The aftermath of Monday’s strike saw a swift and fierce international response, with President Biden highlighting it as a reflection of Israel’s continued failure to safeguard Palestinian civilians and aid personnel. Amid rising global condemnation, Halevi extended an olive branch to WCK, pausing its operations in Gaza. Additionally, Halevi’s statement also praised the WCK’s contributions since Hamas’ attacks began on October 7, noting some two million meals have been provided to evacuees across Israel.