Seven aid workers were killed in an Israeli airstrike while delivering food to besieged Palestinians in the Gaza Strip with the charity World Central Kitchen (WCK).
3 British people, Australians, Poles, dual American and Canadian citizens, and Palestinians were killed. Some traveled around the world participating in relief efforts after wars and earthquakes.
The charity said the British nationals were all part of WCK’s security team. They were reportedly ex-military personnel who worked as private security contractors for UK-based company Sorace Global.
The Israel Defense Forces said the attack was not intended to target aid workers and that a thorough investigation into the deaths would be completed within days. The official added, “This was a misidentification that occurred at night, during a war, and under extremely complicated circumstances. This should never have happened.”
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Here’s what we know so far about all seven victims:
james henderson
james henderson
According to his LinkedIn page, the 33-year-old former roofer from Cornwall spent six years in the Royal Marines, the Royal Navy’s elite fighting force.
He described himself as someone who was “very fit and military disciplined” and who “takes the health and safety of others very seriously.”
In his “civilian capacity,” he wrote, “its true mission is security.”
“A very disciplined, courteous and proactive person, mobile, flexible and willing to undertake any further training required to provide the best possible service,” the page says. has been written.
He retired from the military in 2016 and took on security jobs including; Gaza.
WCK’s eulogy to those killed said he was also known as Jim.
A close friend told the Daily Mail: “Everyone is disappointed but he was a lovely young man. He wasn’t out for long, just a few weeks.”
He was scheduled to leave Gaza on Monday, the Times reported.
John Chapman
John Chapman
The 57-year-old former special forces commando is said to have joined the army immediately after leaving school.
His family paid tribute to an “incredible father, husband, son and brother” in a statement released through the Foreign Office.
“We are devastated by the loss of John, who was killed in Gaza,” they said.
“He died trying to help people and was subjected to inhumane acts.
“He was a wonderful father, husband, son and brother.”
She added: “He was loved by many and will forever be a hero. He will be greatly missed.”
He had only been in Gaza for a few weeks before he was killed, according to The Sun.
A former comrade described him as an “excellent person” and told the newspaper: “He was a very well-liked and very popular person. This is a great loss to his family, friends and the veteran community.” ”
“Those trying to deliver aid to Gaza are doing the right thing, but they need support and protection from people like John and his colleagues to do their job,” the friend added. .
His uncle George Chapman, who lives in Aylesbury and is a married father of two, told the Telegraph: He joined the Marines straight from school. ”
Speaking about his nephew’s death, he said: “It’s unbelievable. I didn’t know much about him, but he was a wonderful person.”
The newspaper said he retired from the Marines four years ago and lived in Poole, Dorset, with his wife Tanya and children Spencer and Fern.
james kirby
james kirby
The 47-year-old from the Bristol area is also an Army veteran and a former sniper and rifleman.
His cousin Adam McGuire told Sky News: “Not only James but the other six men are like heroes to us. They selflessly go out of their way to help some of the most desperate people in the world. “I went out to the scene,” he said.
In a eulogy, his family described him as a “true gentleman” and added that he would be remembered as a “hero” along with other aid workers killed in the airstrike.
The family added in a statement: “James understood the risks of entering Gaza from his experience in the British Army, where he bravely served in Bosnia and Afghanistan.”
“Despite the danger, his compassionate nature motivated him to provide aid to those in desperate need.”
The statement added that the family is “incredibly proud of the man James is and what he has accomplished.”
He “continued to develop core security industry skills in the private sector,” according to his LinkedIn profile.
“Experienced and SIA licensed [Security Industry Authority] “High security officer with background in executive protection, hostile and covert surveillance, safety management and maritime security,” the page reads.
He added: “A former member of the British Armed Forces, he is fully qualified in all aspects of high security and has experience working with high net worth individuals, business leaders, their families and staff from around the world.
“Able to enthusiastically undertake international assignments and free to travel as needed.”
He describes himself as someone who “maintains a calm demeanor under extreme pressure, including life-threatening situations,” and who “has been involved in a variety of missions around the world, both on land and at sea, including hostile and austere locations.” I have experience working in a theater.”
He also served as an escort for players at Wimbledon in July 2021.
Larzaumi ‘Zomi’ Francome
Lalzaumi “Zomi” Francome. Photo: World Central Kitchen (via Reuters)
Melbourne-born Ms Francome, known as ‘Zomi’ to her friends, was remembered as a brave and selfless woman who had worked for WCK for the past five years.
“We mourn this wonderful Australian who helped his fellow countrymen,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
“She was clearly someone who cared about her fellow countrymen.”
Relatives said the 43-year-old was a “good human being” who was “murdered while doing the job she loved, delivering food to the people of Gaza.”
Her work with Washington-based WCK has taken her to places such as the United States, Thailand, and her native Australia.
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Francome’s social media has highlighted trips to help people in need in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Romania and Haiti.
A WCK colleague who met Francome during Hurricane Dorian response in the Bahamas in 2019 described her as a “larger than life person.”
“She worked many hours, gave everything, and believed in helping those less fortunate,” she said.
Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abu Taha
Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abu Taha
The 27-year-old Palestinian was identified by relatives and hospital staff.
His brother Ahmed Abutaha said he had been working as a driver for WCK since the beginning of this year.
Another brother told the New York Times that Mr. Abutaha was so excited about distributing much-needed food that “it was like attending a wedding.”
Damian Sobol
Damien Sobol. Photo: World Central Kitchen (via Reuters)
The 36-year-old from the Polish city of Przemysl had spent the past six months in Gaza after working in aid operations around the world.
“There are no words to explain how those who knew this wonderful young man are feeling right now,” Przemysl Mayor Wojciech Bakun said in a Facebook post.
Marta Wilczynska of the Free Place Foundation subsequently met and collaborated with Sobol. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
He spoke good English, could translate, and was an effective manager.
“Always smiling, always kind, he loved his job. I felt like he had a brother,” she added.
“He was truly an extraordinary man. We were so proud of him.”
Mikolaj Rykowski, president of the Free Place Foundation, said Sobol was “a man capable of any task and was able to overcome all difficulties.”
Jacob Flickinger
Jacob Flickinger
The 33-year-old dual citizen of the United States and Canada was part of a relief team working to bring aid to Gazans in need.
In a statement, World Central Kitchen named Flickinger as one of the seven “beautiful souls” killed in the April 1 attack.
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Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly condemned the airstrike in a social media post, saying those responsible for his and his colleagues’ deaths must be held accountable.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the aid workers “heroes” who were “simply trying to help their fellow countrymen.”
