An inquest into the deaths of three British aid workers killed during an Israeli air strike on Gaza has heard that they died from blast injuries. James Kirby, 47, James Henderson, 33, and John Chapman, 57, all died on 1 April, when they were among seven World Central Kitchen workers travelling with a convoy that was leaving a warehouse in Deir al-Balah. The others killed were Australian national Lalzawmi Frankcom, Polish national Damian Sobol, Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutahas and US-Canadian citizen Jacob Flickinger. The inquest, which revealed that all three Britons died from injuries to their head, chest and limbs, has been adjourned until later this year.
Mr Kirby, born in Bristol, was one of two victims of the strike whose funerals were held last week. The WCK has described Kirby as a “valued” member of the organisation. His supporters paid tribute to him during a fundraising event held for his family. Although the inquest has just begun, Kirby’s relatives have already issued a statement to the effect that they do not hold Israel responsible for his death. The families of the other two men have also issued such statements in the media.
The convoy was supposed to be delivering aid to Palestinians but it was intercepted by Israeli fighter jets which launched a missile attack on the vehicles. Israel said at the time that the convoy contained armed militants but no evidence has been produced to support this during any subsequent investigations. Israel is likely to refuse a request by the UN to take part in an independent inquiry into the strike. The UK prime minister, who has condemned the action, says that he will not be making a formal complaint to Israel but does not rule out private representations instead.
Activists have been claiming that Israel is hampering aid deliveries to Gaza by means of attacks on the ground and from the air. Israel has claimed that this is a charge without foundation but eyewitness reports suggest otherwise. The situation in Gaza remains tense and complex with no resolution in sight
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