Netanyahu Admits Israel Responsible for Killing World Central Kitchen Workers in Gaza
In a phone call with U.S. President Joe Biden, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that the deaths of two workers from the humanitarian organization World Central Kitchen in Gaza were the fault of Israeli forces, according to a U.S. official.
The two workers, Nazmi Abu Murad and Amin Nasr, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on August 11th in the Gaza Strip during the recent escalation of violence between Israel and Palestinian militants. World Central Kitchen, founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, has been providing food relief in the region.
Netanyahu’s admission marks a shift from Israel’s initial denial of responsibility for the deaths. Israeli officials had previously suggested the workers were struck by a Palestinian rocket.
The deaths drew international condemnation and calls from the United Nations and humanitarian groups for an investigation into the incident.
Netanyahu Admits Israel Responsible for Killing World Central Kitchen Workers in Gaza
A White House statement said Biden reiterated his call for a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the tragic killings of the aid workers.
The admission could increase pressure on Israel over civilian casualties during the recent conflict, which killed 49 Palestinians, including 17 children, according to Palestinian health officials. Israel has claimed many were militants.
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It remains unclear if Netanyahu’s comments represent a broader acknowledgment by Israel of responsibility for civilian deaths in Gaza or just the specific case involving the World Central Kitchen workers.
The recent flare-up was the worst fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants in over a year. The violence threatened to derail efforts by the Biden administration to improve relations with the Palestinian Authority after years of tensions under former President Donald Trump.
