By Oriakhi Loveth
Israeli Claims Gaza Airstrike Targeted Militants Disguised as Aid Workers
Israeli military has said that five Palestinians killed in an airstrike in central Gaza last week were militants disguising themselves as humanitarian workers linked to World Central Kitchen (WCK).
In a statement on Tuesday, the army claimed the men were seen standing near a WCK-marked vehicle in Deir al-Balah, despite having no connection to the aid organisation,
and were “posing a threat” to Israeli troops. It did not specify the nature of the alleged threat or identify any militant group affiliation.
The military also released aerial footage showing individuals wearing yellow high-visibility vests similar to those used by aid workers around the marked vehicle.
According to the army, the vests were intended to “conceal their activity and avoid being targeted,” and some of the individuals appeared to be armed.
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Before the strike, Israeli forces said they contacted WCK to confirm that the vehicle in question was not linked to the organisation.
WCK later confirmed to AFP that neither the car nor the men were associated with its operations.
“We strongly condemn anyone posing as World Central Kitchen or other humanitarians, as this endangers civilians and aid workers. The safety and security of our teams are our top priority,”
the group stated. The incident comes amid heightened tensions and scrutiny over the safety of humanitarian operations in Gaza,
where aid agencies have repeatedly warned of risks to staff and civilians in conflict areas.
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