Who were the World Central Kitchen workers killed in Gaza?

Seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers have been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, the charity’s founder has announced.

WCK said the victims included British nationals, Poles, Australians and Palestinians, as well as dual U.S. and Canadian citizens.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that Israeli forces attacked “innocent people” and said it was tragic and unintentional.

“This is what happens in wars. We are checking every last detail, we are in contact with governments, and we will take all steps to ensure this never happens again,” he said in a video message.

Here’s what we know about the slain aid worker.

Francome died “doing the job he loved,” his family said in a statement.

The aid worker from Melbourne, Australia, was WCK’s relief leader in the Gaza Strip. She has been described as “kind, selfless, and an outstanding human being.” [who] He traveled the world helping others in their time of need. ”

“She will leave a legacy of compassion, courage and love to all who come in her orbit,” they added.

Last month, WCK posted a video about Francome’s X from a newly opened kitchen in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

Dora Weekley, a former WCK colleague and friend, told ABC News that Francome was “dedicated” and someone who made sure those in need had a hot meal to look forward to every day.

Weakley met Francome while responding to Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas in 2019, and they worked together again during Australia’s summer bushfires.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski confirmed Sobol’s murder.

“Our brave compatriot Damian Sobol from Przemysl helped people in need in Gaza during a humanitarian crisis. He was killed during the attack and the Israeli army has accepted responsibility.” he said in a video message on the X show. In a previous post, he said he had personally asked the Israeli ambassador for an “urgent explanation” about the attack.

Polish President Andrzej Duda wrote to X that he was “deeply pained” to learn of the deaths of WCK volunteers, including Polish nationals.

“These brave people changed the world for the better through their service and dedication to others. This tragedy should never have happened and must be explained.”

Sobol, who is from Przemysl in southeastern Poland, was originally identified in a Facebook post by the city’s mayor.

Wojciech Bakun called Sobol a “wonderful boy” and said words could not express the feelings of those who knew him.

Sobol’s colleagues posted comments on social media explaining how Sobol participated in providing aid to Ukrainian refugees in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Mourners gathered in Rafah, Gaza City, on Tuesday for the funeral of a Palestinian driver killed in a strike.

Hundreds of people mourned Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, whose body was taken to his hometown of Rafah and carried on the shoulders of relatives, colleagues and friends.

In tears, sadness and anger, his close friend Hassan said: “He was happy to be working with an organization that provides humanitarian aid to displaced people. Saif, our hearts are broken by your loss.” .

“You hurt us with your death. We will not forget you. Saif, we pray for your mercy. And may God grant us patience and pray for your family and loved ones.” Please give people patience,” he told the BBC.

Three British nationals were killed in the attack. They are all ex-military personnel and worked as part of WCK’s security team for UK-based security company Sorace Global.

Mr. Chapman was one of the three.

His family described him as a “wonderful father, husband, son and brother” and “a hero forever.”

In a statement, they said they were “devastated” by his loss, adding that he died trying to help others.

“He will be sorely missed,” they said.

Chris Burns, who served with Mr. Chapman in the military, recalled him as “a very, very cheerful person.” [man who] I became friends with everyone. ”

“He was a very, very funny person,” Mr Burns told BBC World at One.

Mr Kirby was born in Bristol and completed tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan with the British Army before working as a security consultant.

His family said he would “never know the void he left” and “will be remembered as a hero.”

“James was always willing to help anyone, even in the face of wanton violence,” they said in a statement.

Mr Kirby’s cousin, Adam McGuire, told the BBC that Mr Kirby was “completely selfless” and “just wanted to help people”, which is why he went to Gaza.

Another cousin, Amy Roxburgh Barry, described him as a “true friend” who “loved his fellow man and loved his family.”

Mr Henderson became the third British national to be killed.

He had been in Gaza with Mr Chapman and Mr Kirby for just over a week. According to the BBC, they were scheduled to return home within the next few days.

Their role as security advisers was to ensure that aid convoys moving through Gaza followed safety procedures and maintained correct routes.

Matthew Harding, non-executive director of the security firm that employed the three, said all three had extensive experience in the field of risk management and were “all highly trained and highly professional”. Ta.

He added that their deaths were “a truly tragic loss for us and indeed for their loved ones.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the strike on Tuesday night. Downing Street said the prime minister told Netanyahu he was appalled by the incident and called for a thorough and transparent investigation into their deaths.

Mr Sunak earlier said he was “shocked and saddened” and sent his thoughts to the friends and families of the victims. He added that the work of aid charities should be “celebrated and recognized” and that their work should be allowed to run “unhindered”.

A dual citizen of the United States and Canada, he was born in Quebec and served 11 years in the Canadian Armed Forces. He had been volunteering in Gaza since early March.

Mr Flickinger’s parents told the BBC on Thursday that their son loved his job. “This work brought together his talents,” said his father, John Flickinger. “His love of adventure and desire to serve and help others.”

“He was a very good person,” said his mother, Sylvie Labrecque. “He was very dedicated to his work and family.”

Flickinger had recently settled in Costa Rica with his partner Sandy and 18-month-old son Jasper.

“Jasper will be a great inspiration for us to stay strong,” Labrecque said. “We are still in shock.”

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken called the aid workers “heroes” who were “simply trying to help their fellow countrymen.”

He said the United States spoke directly with the Israeli government and called for “a swift, thorough and impartial investigation to understand exactly what happened.”

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly echoed calls for a full investigation, saying “attacks on humanitarian workers are completely unacceptable.”

More than 196 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since October, marking the first major incident of violence against aid workers, according to the U.S.-funded Aid Worker Safety Database.

Most of those killed since the war broke out six months ago worked for UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, which has one of the largest aid operations in Gaza.

When Hamas launched an unprecedented offensive into southern Israel on October 7, approximately 1,200 people were killed and 253 hostages were taken. About 130 hostages are still being held, and at least 34 of them are estimated to have died.

Since then, more than 33,000 people have been killed in Gaza, including many women and children, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said.