(Dan Tri) – Countries simultaneously criticized Israel after Tel Aviv admitted its mistake in an `unintentional raid` that killed 7 employees of an aid organization.
Scene of the raid (Photo: Reuters).
World leaders have condemned Israel after a Tel Aviv airstrike killed seven aid workers in the Gaza Strip, and emphasized calls for an immediate ceasefire.
The US-based aid organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) confirmed on March 2 that its employees were killed in a `targeted attack` by the Israeli army.
The NGO said its group was moving to a `deconfliction` area in a convoy of `two armored vehicles with WCK logos and one soft leather vehicle` at the time of the incident.
WCK called on Israel to stop its `indiscriminate offensive behavior` in Gaza, announcing that it was `temporarily suspending operations in the area`.
The Israeli military said it was investigating to understand the situation and pledged to `make every effort to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid.`
Hours later, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack was unintended and called it a `tragic` event.
`This happened during wartime. We are looking closely at the incident, are in contact with the government (of the dead foreigners) and will do everything to make sure it doesn’t happen again.`
Many countries have spoken out about the incident.
Speaking at a press conference in Brisbane, Mr Albanese said Frankcom’s death was `completely unacceptable`.
`Today’s news is tragic. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also summoned the Israeli ambassador. There must be a party fully responsible for this. This is a tragedy that should never have happened.`
Mr Albanese also reiterated his call for a `sustainable ceasefire`, stressing that `Australians want to see this conflict end`.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron described the incident as `deeply distressing` and called on Israel to investigate and provide an explanation.
`British citizens are believed to have died. We are urgently verifying this information and will fully support their families,` Mr. Cameron announced.
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences to the family of the deceased citizen.
Poland has demanded an explanation from the Israeli embassy, security forces and army.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said he was `horrified` by the deaths of aid workers.
Janez Lenarcic, the European Union’s humanitarian affairs commissioner, also condemned the attack and called for a ceasefire.
US President Joe Biden said that Israel has not done enough to protect civilians and aid workers, and called for a swift investigation into the incident.
`This conflict is one of the worst in recent history in terms of the number of aid workers who have died,` he said.
Mr. Biden said he was `outraged and heartbroken` by the deaths of aid workers and emphasized that this was not an isolated incident.