Israeli airstrikes that killed international aid workers in Gaza in April were the result of serious operational failures but were not deliberate, according to an Australian government review of the incident released on Friday.
On 1 April, three Israeli airstrikes hit a convoy of aid vehicles passing through Gaza, killing seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) staff, including Australian team leader Xomi Frankcom. Those killed included Palestinians and citizens of the United States, Britain and Poland.
The killings were widely condemned by Israel’s allies, with some accusing Israel of deliberately targeting aid workers, although Israel rejected the claim.
An Australian review into the deaths stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) decided to fire missiles at the convoy because they mistakenly believed it was being hijacked by Hamas fighters, who were actually locally contracted security guards.
In addition, information about the WCK convoy’s movements did not reach the IDF team behind the attack, the review said. This confusion was compounded because Israeli officers could not communicate directly with the aid convoy, the review said.
It said IDF staff also violated standard procedures by ordering a second and third attack on the convoy without any further identification procedures.
According to Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, who traveled to Israel to investigate the deaths, “It appears that IDF controls failed in this incident, leading to errors in judgement and misidentification, possibly exacerbated by a level of confirmation bias.”
“Based on the information available to me, my assessment is that the IDF attack on WCK aid workers was not intentional or deliberately directed against WCK.”
He said Israel’s investigation into the deaths was “timely, appropriate and adequate, with a few exceptions”.
Binskin said an apology from Israel and compensation for the families were important issues, but he stopped short of recommending Australia seek either of these from Israel.
The IDF has apologized and dismissed two senior commanders involved in the attacks. Three other commanders were formally reprimanded. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacks were unintentional and tragic.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia wants those responsible to be held accountable, including criminal charges if appropriate.
Wong said he had written a letter to his Israeli counterpart demanding greater protection for humanitarian workers.
“This is not an isolated incident,” he said. “We have seen 250 aid workers killed during this conflict and we have also seen recent incidents where UN vehicles have been fired upon and it is clear more needs to be done.”
The family of slain aid worker Frankcom called the Australian review an important first step and said they hoped Israel would investigate further and then take appropriate action.
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