Operational Failures Lead to Aid Worker Deaths in Gaza: Australian Review

An Australian review found that operational failures, not intentional actions, led to Israeli air strikes that killed international aid workers in Gaza. The strikes resulted from misidentifications and communication gaps, with Israeli Defense Forces believing the aid convoy was hijacked by Hamas. The review recommends greater protection for humanitarian workers.

An Australian review concluded that serious operational failures, rather than intentional actions, were behind the Israeli air strikes that killed seven aid workers in Gaza in April.

The strikes on the World Central Kitchen convoy, which included Australian team leader Zomi Frankcom, resulted from the Israeli Defense Forces mistakenly thinking the convoy was hijacked by Hamas fighters, who were actually security guards.

The review emphasized that communication failures and procedural violations by the IDF contributed to the tragic incident. The IDF has since dismissed two senior commanders and issued formal reprimands to three others. Both Australian and Israeli officials have called for increased measures to protect humanitarian workers.

(With inputs from agencies.)