Lipavský calls for investigation into Israeli air strike that killed aid workers in Gaza

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský has called for a transparent investigation into the incident in Gaza where seven members of a team delivering humanitarian aid to civilians were killed in an Israeli air strike on Monday. Writing on social media site X, the foreign minister expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and said that ensuring the safety of aid workers in Gaza was of paramount importance.

The seven people were workers for the non-profit NGO World Central Kitchen (WCK), which provides meals to civilians in the wake of natural disasters and war. The victims were citizens of Australia, Poland, the UK, the US, Canada and Palestine. The WCK said it had coordinated its operations in advance with the Israeli army and that the vehicles were clearly marked with the WCK logo. The WCK has now suspended its activities in Gaza following the incident.

The UK has summoned its Israeli ambassador over the matter and Australia has called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The European Union condemned the incident and called for its thorough investigation. EU diplomacy chief Josep Borrell said it was further proof of the need for an immediate ceasefire.

Israel has apologised for the killings, saying they were unintentional, and has promised to carry out an independent and thorough investigation.