NEW DELHI: The Israeli military on Friday admitted to committing “grave mistake and vowed to take “immediate action” to ensure that more was done to protect aid workers.
The IDF mentioned that it had taken actions against a brigade chief of staff with the rank of colonel and a brigade fire support officer and issued formal reprimands to senior officers including the general at the head of the Southern Command in connection with this inquiry.
“The strike on the aid vehicles is a grave mistake stemming from a serious failure due to a mistaken identification, errors in decision-making, and an attack contrary to the Standard Operating Procedures,” the military said in a statement issued on Friday.
An investigation by the IDF revealed that some of the workers initially survived the air attacks but tragically lost their lives when a third vehicle was struck.
Aid organizations have temporarily halted their activities in Gaza, where around 1.1 million people are at risk of severe hunger, according to the UN.
In response, Israel has authorised the opening of two entry points into Gaza for humanitarian aid – the Erez Gate and Ashdod Port, with additional aid from Jordan permitted through the Kerem Shalom Crossing.
During his conversation, US President Joe Biden said to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that American support will depend on steps being taken to “address civilian harm” in Gaza.
( with input from agency)