A British aid worker killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip was “subjected to inhumanity”, his family has said.
John Chapman, 57, a former Special Forces member, was one of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers killed in an Israeli Defense Force attack on a humanitarian aid convoy on Monday. .
In a statement to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, his family said: “We are devastated by the loss of John, who was murdered in Gaza. He died trying to help people and was subjected to inhumane acts. He was a wonderful father and husband. He was my son and my brother.
“We ask that you allow us the space and time to grieve properly. He was loved by many and will forever be a hero. He will be sorely missed.”
Mr Chapman, who lived in Poole, Dorset, works for the charity’s security team, along with fellow British army veterans James Kirby, 47, a former army sniper, and James Henderson, 33, a former British army sniper. He was killed along with the Marines. The three men worked for Dorset-based security firm Solace Global and were supporting charity work in Gaza.
Mr Kirby’s family described him as a “true gentleman” who died trying to help others.
In a statement to the BBC, they said: He will be remembered as a hero, along with the six others who tragically lost their lives.
“James understood the dangers of venturing into Gaza from his experience in the British Army, where he bravely served in Bosnia and Afghanistan. Despite the risks, his caring nature ensured that He began to provide aid to people in serious situations.
“A true gentleman, James was always willing to help anyone, even in the face of wanton violence. James lost his life trying to save others. You’ll never know how much of a void you have left. Our family will never be the same.”
They added they were “incredibly proud” of Bristol-born Kirby.
Adam McGuire, Kirby’s cousin, said: “James was one of those characters you never forget once you’ve met him.” Legendary seems like an easy word, but many of his friends described him as… He was completely selfless and always there for his friends and family, and especially his mother, whom he adored.
“He never felt lightly because he knew what these missions and trips did to his mother, but it was something he always did. I went out to protect the country and various other activities.
“This mission was something he felt he had to do. He had to go out and help people. It had nothing to do with actual politics. He came from the military. Because of that background, he always had that sense of duty, and going to Gaza was one of those things where he thought he had to help in any way he could.”
McGuire added that the family was “disappointed” by Israel’s response on Tuesday and the fact that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not apologize.
“His reaction was like, ‘This is war, this is what happens.’ Now that shouldn’t happen. Not just for James, but for the other six people who were killed. , I wish there had been a better response to what happened,” McGuire said. “We hope from the James side, and perhaps from the other six sides as well, that this is a turning point. We hope that a ceasefire will be reached and that humanitarian aid will reach Gaza.”
Mr Henderson, from Penrhyn, Cornwall, served in the Royal Marines for six years before joining a private security firm, according to his LinkedIn profile. He described himself as a “very disciplined, polite and proactive person” and said his “real mission is security” in his civilian capacity.
Sorace Global director Matthew Harding told Sky News that the three were “very experienced, very professional and thoroughly excellent operators”.
Tributes were also expressed to Zomi Francome, 43, an Australian national. Jacob Flickinger, 33, dual American and Canadian citizen. Damian Sobol, 35 years old, Polish. Saif Issam Abu Taha, a 25-year-old Palestinian, was also killed in the strike.
Francome’s family said she left a legacy of compassion, courage and love. In their statement, they called her an “outstanding human being” who was “killed doing the job she loved, delivering food to the people of Gaza.”
Sobol, a relief worker from the city of Przemysl in southeastern Poland, had participated in relief efforts in Ukraine, Morocco and Turkey. “There are no words to describe the feelings of those who now know this wonderful young man,” Przemysl Mayor Wojciech Bakun wrote in a Facebook post.
Abu Taha’s brothers described him as a dedicated young man who wanted to help his fellow Palestinians.
On Wednesday, the bodies of the six foreign aid workers were transferred to Egypt, and Abu Taha was buried in his hometown of Rafah.
On Wednesday, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron described the killings as “horrifying”, adding: “We must mourn the loss of these brave humanitarian workers.”
