THE family of a British aid worker killed by an Israeli drone strike in Gaza have made fresh calls for an independent investigation into the incident on the anniversary of his death, calling the UK Government's response "nothing but empty apologies".
It comes as a UK Foreign Office minister called on Israel to “quickly and thoroughly conclude” its investigation the air strike which killed seven World Central Kitchen (WCK)aid workers in Gaza a year ago.
Relief team leader, Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom, 43, an Australian national, American-Canadian dual citizen Jacob Flickinger, 33, Polish national Damian Sobol, 35, their driver, Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25, were killed alongside British citizens John Chapman, James Henderson and James Kirby on April 1, 2024.
Their killings prompted a rebuke from then prime minister Rishi Sunak, who told his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu he was “appalled” at what happened, and that the situation in Gaza is “increasingly intolerable”.
WCK founder Jose Andres claimed the Israeli military knew of his aid workers’ movements and targeted them “systematically, car by car”.
Footage on social media at the time showed the bodies of the dead, with several of them dressed in protective gear bearing the charity’s logo, along with their passports.
The Israel Defence Forces described the strike as a “grave mistake stemming from a serious failure”, and promised to carry out an investigation.
Louise Kirby, Mr Kirby’s cousin, said: “Today (Tuesday) marks one year since the tragic death of my cousin, James Kirby, who was killed by an Israeli drone strike.
“While the pain of losing him remains ever-present, what has been equally devastating is the lack of justice and accountability.
“Despite repeated calls for answers, the family continues to be met with silence and no substantial action from the Government.
“It is disheartening to note that after all this time, we still have no concrete proof of accountability from any responsible party.
“My family and I remain deeply concerned that breaches of policy or laws may have possibly occurred, which is possibly why the Government has failed to engage meaningfully with us.
“The lack of communication and the continued absence of a thorough investigation could possibly suggest that there are issues not highlighted to the families.”
Kirby said the family wanted a “formal, in-depth investigation” to be carried out by the British Government and with evidence presented in an unbiased court to ensure “full transparency and accountability”.
Independent MP Shockat Adam had told the Commons on Tuesday: “Today is the anniversary of the killing of the 33-year-old ex-Royal Marine James Henderson, who was killed by the Israelis alongside seven of his aid workers for World Central Kitchen.”
The Leicester South MP added: “It is believed now that 1500 aid workers have been killed, does the Secretary of State believe it is illegal under international law to kill aid workers? And if so, what are… they prepared to do about it?”
Minister Hamish Falconer (above) replied: “Today is indeed the one-year anniversary of the appalling strike on the World Central Kitchen convoy.
“It killed seven people, including British citizens John Chapman, James Henderson and James Kirby. I’d like to pay tribute to their bravery, and remember again the appalling tragedy of that day.
“I met, alongside the Foreign Secretary, these families in November. They are determined to see justice for their family members, and I know the whole chamber will be united in that determination.
“Israel’s military advocate general must quickly and thoroughly conclude their consideration of the strike, including determining whether criminal proceedings should be initiated. As (Adam) has said, Gaza is now the most dangerous place in the world to be an aid worker, this cannot continue.”
