British aid workers’ cause of death confirmed after Israeli airstrikes in Gaza
Three British aid workers died from blast injuries to their head, chest and limbs when Israeli air strikes hit their convoy in Gaza, an inquest heard.
James Kirkby, 47, James Henderson, 33, and John Chapman, 57, were providing security for the World Central Kitchen (WCK) charity when they were killed on April 1.
Multiple Israeli missiles struck the aid convoy in Deir al-Balah, south of Gaza City, killing seven workers, despite coordinating its movements with the IDF.
They were moving more than 100 tons of food from a warehouse to be distributed among Gaza’s starving population at the time.
Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25, Australian Lalzawmi ‘Zomi’ Frankom 43, American Jacob Flickinger, 33, and Polish national Damian Sobol, 35, were also killed in the attack.
They were travelling in two armoured cars and a third vehicle with the large, distinctive logo of WCK on top.
A precision R9x Hellfire missile hit the first vehicle just before midnight.
Its passengers climbed from the wreck and jumped into the other two cars.
But they travelled just 1,000 yards more before being hit by another missile.
The road was ‘designated for the passage of humanitarian aid, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The third vehicle was hit by a drone a mile away.
Israel admitted it made a ‘grave mistake’, claiming it targeted the clearly marked convoy after its drone operators mistook an aid worker carrying a bag for a gunman.
An inquest into the three Britons was opened at Avon Coroner’s Court in Flax Bourton, near Bristol, today.
The inquest heard initial post-mortem results before being adjourned until later this year.
All three were former servicemen working for Dorset-based Solace Global as part of WCK’s security team.
The family of Kirby, from Street in Somerset, said: ‘Despite the risks, his compassionate nature drove him to offer assistance to those in dire need.
‘A genuine gentleman, James was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone, even in the face of senseless violence.
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‘James lost his life trying to save others, he will never know what a void he has left, our family will never be the same.
‘We are so incredibly proud of who James was and what he achieved. Never stop caring and trying to help people, love will eventually overcome hate.’
Chapman, from Poole in Dorset, was described as ‘an incredible father, husband, son and brother’ by his family.
They said: ‘We are devastated to have lost John, who was killed in Gaza. He died trying to help people and was subject to an inhumane act.
‘We request we be given space and time to grieve appropriately. He was loved by many and will forever be a hero. He will be missed dearly.’
Former Royal Marine and avid rugby player Henderson, from Falmouth in Cornwall, was described as a ‘force to be reckoned with’, MailOnline reported.
Henderson, a former Royal Marine from Cornwall, who was said to be an avid rugby player for Penryn RFC.
A post said: ‘It comes with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jim Henderson. We have lost one of the kindest, toughest and most loyal players to have ever worn the Penryn shirt.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Jim’s family and friends through this tough time.’
WCK welcomed the IDF’s investigation into the killings as an ‘important step forward’.
But they claimed the IDF ‘cannot credibly investigate its own failure in Gaza’ and called for an independent investigation into the killing of its staff.
The charity’s founder Jose Andres said: ‘It’s not enough to simply try to avoid further humanitarian deaths, which have now approached close to 200.’
‘All civilians need to be protected, and all innocent people in Gaza need to be fed and safe. And all hostages must be released.’
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