Breaking British aid worker families’ anger at Israel: John Chapman’s relatives condemn ‘inhumane act’ after James Kirby’s loved ones’ veiled swipe at IDF’s ‘senseless violence’ after the pair were killed in Gaza drone strike EnglishHeadline

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The household of British particular forces soldier John Chapman declared the Israeli drone strike that killed him together with six others in a meals support convoy in Gaza ‘an inhumane act’. 

Former SBS operator Chapman, 57, was killed alongside fellow British army veterans James Kirby, 47, and James Henderson, 33, as they travelled out of Deir al-Balah, south of Gaza Metropolis, in clearly marked World Central Kitchen support vans. 

‘We’re devastated to have misplaced John, who was killed in Gaza. He died attempting to assist folks and was topic to an inhumane act. He was an unbelievable father, husband, son and brother,’ a press release from John’s household learn. 

‘We request we be given house and time to grieve appropriately. He was liked by many and can without end be a hero. He can be missed dearly’.

It comes hours after relations of former Military sniper marksman Kirby mentioned they’re ‘totally heartbroken’ by his demise as they hit out on the ‘mindless violence’ in Gaza.

‘James understood the hazards of venturing into Gaza, drawing from his experiences within the British Armed Forces, the place he bravely served excursions in Bosnia and Afghanistan,’ their assertion learn. 

‘Regardless of the dangers, his compassionate nature drove him to supply help to these in dire want.

‘A real gentleman, James was at all times prepared to lend a serving to hand to anybody, even within the face of mindless violence,’ they mentioned in what gave the impression to be a thinly-veiled swipe at Israel.

The assertion added the household are ‘extremely happy with who James was and what he achieved,’ and advised the world to ‘by no means cease caring and attempting to assist folks, love will finally overcome hate.’

Mr Kirby’s father Marcel advised the Day by day Mail that he’s ‘completely devastated’ by the information and that he ‘cannot consider’ he will not see his son once more.

Now the three Brits’ family members are awaiting their return to the UK, with Egyptian state media reporting that the our bodies of the slain support employees had been right now transported throughout the Rafah border and out of the Gaza Strip to be repatriated.

John Chapman (pictured) was travelling in a clearly marked car operated by World Central Kitchen (WCK), a charity providing meals to Palestinians in the war-torn enclave, when the convoy was hit with three missiles fired by an IDF drone

John Chapman (pictured) was travelling in a clearly marked automotive operated by World Central Kitchen (WCK), a charity offering meals to Palestinians within the war-torn enclave, when the convoy was hit with three missiles fired by an IDF drone

James Kirby's family members said they are 'utterly heartbroken' by his death as they hit out at the 'senseless violence' being seen in Gaza

James Kirby’s relations mentioned they’re ‘totally heartbroken’ by his demise as they hit out on the ‘mindless violence’ being seen in Gaza

James Henderson, 33, was travelling in a clearly marked automotive operated by World Central Kitchen, a charity offering meals to Palestinians within the struggle torn enclave, when the convoy was hit with three missiles fired by an IDF drone

British military veteran James Kirby was also killed

British army veteran James Kirby was additionally killed

British aid worker families' anger at Israel: John Chapman's relatives condemn 'inhumane act' after James Kirby's loved ones' veiled swipe at IDF's 'senseless violence' after the pair were killed in Gaza drone strike

British support employee households’ anger at Israel: John Chapman’s kin condemn ‘inhumane act’ after James Kirby’s family members’ veiled swipe at IDF’s ‘mindless violence’ after the pair had been killed in Gaza drone strike

Palestinians inspect a vehicle with the logo of the World Central Kitchen that was wrecked by an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip

Palestinians examine a car with the brand of the World Central Kitchen that was wrecked by an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip

Israel’s actions have triggered worldwide condemnation, with leaders within the UK, the US, Poland, Canada and Australia – the nations the overseas nationals within the group hailed from – amongst these calling for accountability. 

Israel has apologised for what it referred to as ‘a grave mistake’ and mentioned it’s investigating the incident ‘on the highest ranges’ 

In the meantime, tributes have poured in for the seven support employees, who family members remembered for his or her bravery.

Buddies described James ‘Jim’ Henderson as a ‘light big’ who ‘introduced folks collectively’.

The 33-year-old had been a eager rugby participant for Penryn RFC since he was a schoolboy and nonetheless repeatedly turned out for the primary staff when he was dwelling, most not too long ago on Boxing Day final 12 months in opposition to Falmouth.

Following the information of his demise on Tuesday, round 40 staff mates in addition to family and friends met on the clubhouse to toast his reminiscence and the flag on the membership was lowered to half mast.

Marek Churcher, the membership’s Director of Rugby, mentioned: ‘He was a extremely bodily lad on the sphere and a mild big off it.

‘He was someone we liked to have round and missed when he was away though when he got here dwelling he would usually flip up with a pair of trainers – or typically with out – was at all times an actual presence on the sphere.

‘He was a man who saved his playing cards near his chest about his private life.

‘Everyone is completely shocked by what occurred, we gathered final evening to boost a glass to him. ‘It isn’t simply the rugby membership, Falmouth and Penryn is an in depth nit neighborhood and the entire neighborhood will miss him loads.

‘As a lot as it’s a horrible factor, it exhibits how liked he was and the way he introduced folks collectively. It has been a extremely tough time for these of us who knew him however he can be remembered for a very long time.’

James Kirby’s uncle mentioned: ‘Clearly we’re upset at what has occurred. I believe we realised it was one of many potential risks of his job although each when he was within the Military and after.

‘This shut safety work places you in danger and he had been in tough conditions earlier than working for different charities.

‘He was an absolute gem. He would at all times do something for anybody and exit of his means to take action too.

‘He by no means actually settled down in a conventional means. There have been girlfriends after all however no-one particular.

‘He had simply completed doing up a home in Glastonbury, a renovation challenge, which he had put in the marketplace.

‘I final noticed him in December when he got here to my Kate spouse’s funeral. He was at all times there at vital household occasions.

‘He used to stay down the highway right here when his mum and pa had been nonetheless collectively. However we have misplaced observe of precisely the place his father, Marcel, is now.

‘I do know my sister Paulette managed to succeed in him on the telephone this morning. She mentioned that as you’ll anticipate he was fairly reduce up.’

Julie Marshall, additionally shared a heartfelt tribute to him on Fb alongside footage of them collectively.

‘I’m completely devastated, a person who actually stole my coronary heart who I’ll by no means ever overlook,’ she wrote. ‘He was the bravest kindest soul with somewhat mixture of loopy. 

‘He put his entire life into defending others and combating for what he believed so strongly in. He went by a lot but nonetheless had the most effective humour and kindness.’

James’s father Marcel spoke briefly to the Day by day Mail on the doorstep of his neat, fashionable dwelling in a village on the outskirts of Bristol.

He mentioned: ‘I’ve solely simply discovered first this morning what’s occurred to my son. I’m completely devastated.

‘James was away loads together with his work however every time he was again he would come out right here to see me.

‘I simply can’t consider he will not be doing that once more. He knew his job might put him in some tough conditions however he has been in far tighter ones,’ he mentioned, explaining that his son had hung out in Northern Eire, in Bosnia and in Afghanistan.

He mentioned Mr Kirby had taken up some ‘fascinating jobs working for some very rich, well-known folks’ after he left the military, however ‘had been attempting to construct up this facet of his work a bit extra, the charity, humanitarian facet serving to others.’

The grieving father, who solely discovered about his son’s demise this morning, questioned why it had taken so lengthy for him to be told.

People carry the body of one of the foreign workers from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), who were killed in an Israeli airstrike, before they are transported to their families outside Gaza

Individuals carry the physique of one of many overseas employees from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), who had been killed in an Israeli airstrike, earlier than they’re transported to their households outdoors Gaza

Egyptian state media reported that the bodies of the slain aid workers were today transported across the Rafah border and out of the Gaza Strip to be repatriated

Egyptian state media reported that the our bodies of the slain support employees had been right now transported throughout the Rafah border and out of the Gaza Strip to be repatriated

Julie Marshall paid a touching tribute to the British aid worker who died while working for an aid charity

Julie Marshall paid a touching tribute to the British support employee who died whereas working for an support charity

‘What I discover so bewildering is no-one has been in contact with us to verify this formally, that James has been killed.

‘My sister referred to as this morning and mentioned there’s a sufferer with the identical title as your son out in Gaza. Is it him?

‘So I went on-line and there it was. I recognised the images and the profiles and I realised it actually was him and we might misplaced him.’

He went on: ‘I would recognize a while now to be left alone by myself to grieve. I simply can’t actually take all of it in.

‘Goodness is aware of what occurs subsequent. How can we organise a funeral for him after we do not know the place he’s or the way to get his physique dwelling?’

Mr Kirby mentioned the remainder of the household had develop into estranged from him however they knew ‘full nicely’ the place he was and the way to contact him.

He added: ‘That is one other facet of all this which is so laborious to cope with that no-one thought to let me, his father, know.’

One other liked one, Stephen Caple, wrote on Fb: ‘My cousin, James Kirby, killed in Gaza yesterday working to convey support to harmless folks.

‘I’ll at all times be so happy with our household’s HERO. The kindest, funniest and most adorable particular person. RIP Kirbs.’

Mr Kirby and his fellow Brits all labored for safety agency Solace International.

A boss on the firm advised the BBC that the three males had been ‘all valued staff members, to whom we had been very shut’ and that it was a ‘tragic loss’.

UK overseas secretary Lord Cameron has welcomed Israel’s promise of an pressing investigation into the deaths, however warned it should occur ‘very, in a short time’.

Britain summoned the Israeli ambassador to London and has demanded ‘full accountability’ over the deaths, which Lord Cameron described as ‘utterly unacceptable’.

In addition to the mounting Gazan demise toll – with greater than 32,000 killed, in response to the Hamas-run well being ministry – an unprecedented variety of humanitarian employees have been killed within the battle.

At the very least 196 support employees, together with 175 members of the UN workers, have now been killed since October 7, in response to UN Secretary Common Antonio Guterres.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned the seven victims within the WCK support convoy ‘be a part of a report variety of humanitarian employees who’ve been killed on this explicit battle.’

Polish World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid worker Damian Sobol, who was killed in the Israeli airstrike in Gaza

Polish World Central Kitchen (WCK) support employee Damian Sobol, who was killed within the Israeli airstrike in Gaza

Australian aid worker Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom, 43, who was among those killed in the strike

Australian support employee Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom, 43, who was amongst these killed within the strike

Palestinian Saifeddine Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25, was part of the WCK team that was killed in the strike

Palestinian Saifeddine Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25, was a part of the WCK staff that was killed within the strike

American-Canadian Jacob Flickinger, 33, who was one of the seven victims of the strike

American-Canadian Jacob Flickinger, 33, who was one of many seven victims of the strike

In a strongly worded assertion, US President Joe Biden mentioned Israel ‘has not finished sufficient to guard support employees attempting to ship desperately wanted assist to civilians.’ 

He referred to as for a ‘swift’ investigation to convey accountability to what he mentioned was not a ‘stand alone incident’.

UN Secretary-Common Antonio Guterres referred to as the strike ‘unconscionable’ however ‘an inevitable results of the way in which the struggle is being performed’.

‘It demonstrates but once more the pressing want for a direct humanitarian ceasefire.’

Professor Ben Saul, UN Particular Rapporteur on defending human rights whereas countering terrorism, prompt that the killing of the WCK employees may very well be a struggle crime.

‘It is a human tragedy. However, after all, it might nicely be a violation of worldwide humanitarian legislation, below which Israel has an obligation to not intentionally goal humanitarian reduction employees or their convoys or their reduction consignments,’ he mentioned. 

Lord Cameron warned Israel that Britain can be watching ‘very carefully’ to verify support flows by Gaza whereas avoiding such ‘dreadful incidents’ as have been seen in latest days.

The UK authorities might droop arms gross sales to Israel as soon as it has established the all the info of the incident, inside sources have reportedly mentioned.

Poland in the meantime mentioned ‘it doesn’t conform to the shortage of compliance with worldwide humanitarian legislation and the safety of civilians, together with humanitarian employees’, and demanded compensation for the households of the killed WCK workers.

Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk mentioned right now that each the lethal strike and the Israeli authorities’s response to the incident had been straining ties between the 2 nations.

Images of the passports of Mr Chapman and Mr Henderson, which were found at the scene, were shared after their deaths

Photographs of the passports of Mr Chapman and Mr Henderson, which had been discovered on the scene, had been shared after their deaths

Instantly addressing Israeli chief Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s envoy to Warsaw, Tusk posted on X: ‘At the moment, you might be placing this solidarity to the take a look at. The tragic assault in opposition to volunteers and your response are producing an comprehensible anger.’

Pope Francis has expressed his ‘deep sorrow’ over the deaths throughout his weekly viewers on the Vatican, and mentioned: ‘I pray for them and their households.’

He renewed his enchantment for entry to humanitarian support for the ‘exhausted and struggling civilian inhabitants’ of Gaza, and for the hostages taken by Hamas to be launched.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has held a name with Netanyahu, by which he mentioned he was ‘appalled’ by the killings and demanded an intensive and clear unbiased investigation.

A Downing Road spokesman mentioned: ‘The Prime Minister spoke to Israel‘s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, this night.

‘He mentioned he was appalled by the killing of support employees, together with three British nationals, in an air strike in Gaza yesterday and demanded an intensive and clear unbiased investigation into what occurred.

‘The Prime Minister mentioned far too many support employees and abnormal civilians have misplaced their lives in Gaza and the state of affairs is more and more insupportable.

‘The UK expects to see rapid motion by Israel to finish restrictions on humanitarian support, deconflict with the UN and support companies, shield civilians and restore very important infrastructure like hospitals and water networks.

‘The Prime Minister reiterated that Israel’s rightful intention of defeating Hamas wouldn’t be achieved by permitting a humanitarian disaster in Gaza.’ 

Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankcom died ¿doing the work she loves¿, her family said in a statement

Lalzawmi ‘Zomi’ Frankcom died ‘doing the work she loves’, her household mentioned in a press release

Polish World Central Kitchen and aid worker Damian Sobol, who was killed by Israeli airstrike in Gaza

Polish World Central Kitchen and support employee Damian Sobol, who was killed by Israeli airstrike in Gaza

Lord Cameron right now welcomed a pledge from Israel to completely examine the strike on an support convoy, and urged the nation to make sure extra support is ready to get into Gaza.

The International Secretary advised broadcasters: ‘I welcome what the Israeli overseas minister mentioned yesterday to me a couple of full, pressing and clear inquiry into how this dreadful occasion was allowed to occur, and we need to see that occur in a short time.

‘I additionally welcome the actual fact he spoke about way more support entering into Gaza, as much as 500 vans a day.

‘That’s important, we’ve been promised these items earlier than and it actually must occur, together with longer opening instances on the very important crossing factors.

‘However, after all, the additional support will not work except there may be correct deconfliction, except support may be taken round Gaza and we keep away from the dreadful incidents like we’ve seen within the final couple of days.

‘That’s very important and Britain can be watching very carefully to guarantee that that occurs.’

Former nationwide safety adviser Lord Peter Ricketts right now advised the BBC that the UK ought to cease promoting arms to Israel, saying: ‘I believe the time has come to ship that sign.

‘I believe there’s plentiful proof now that Israel hasn’t been taking sufficient care to fulfil its obligations on the security of civilians.’

He mentioned halting arms gross sales would ship a ‘highly effective political message’ which may spark debate in regards to the US following swimsuit, which might be ‘the actual recreation changer’.

Consultants anticipate stress to extend on Israel to convey an finish to the bloody struggle, which has now dragged on for six months.

However Israel continues to state its goals – to eradicate Hamas and convey the remaining hostages dwelling – whilst its forces have swept by and destroyed many of the Gaza Strip.

Palestinians are standing next to a vehicle in Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, on April 2, 2024, where employees from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), including foreigners, were killed in an Israeli airstrike

Palestinians are standing subsequent to a car in Deir Al-Balah, within the central Gaza Strip, on April 2, 2024, the place staff from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), together with foreigners, had been killed in an Israeli airstrike

Heavily damaged vehicle of the officials working at the US-based international volunteer aid organisation World Central Kitchen (WCK)

Closely broken car of the officers working on the US-based worldwide volunteer support organisation World Central Kitchen (WCK)

WCK mentioned it was mourning the lack of its seven ‘heroes’, naming them on Wednesday as Palestinian Saifeddine Issam Ayad Abutaha, 25; Australian Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom, 43; Pole Damian Sobol, 35; American-Canadian Jacob Flickinger, 33; and Brits John Chapman, 57, James (Jim) Henderson, 33, and James Kirby, 47.

‘These 7 stunning souls had been killed by the IDF in a strike as they had been coming back from a full day’s mission,’ WCK CEO Erin Gore mentioned.

The organisation referred to as the strike a ‘focused assault’ and mentioned its staff had been coordinating its actions with the Israeli forces.

‘This isn’t solely an assault in opposition to WCK, that is an assault on humanitarian organizations displaying up in probably the most dire of conditions the place meals is getting used as a weapon of struggle,’ Gore mentioned in an earlier assertion.

Gaza has been below Israeli blockade because the begin of the struggle, with the United Nations accusing Israel of stopping humanitarian support deliveries and warning of ‘catastrophic’ starvation.

World Central Kitchen was facilitating the supply of provides introduced by sea from Cyprus.

Following the strike, it mentioned it was suspending its operations within the area, deepening considerations about how urgently wanted meals support will attain a ravenous inhabitants.

The bloodiest-ever Gaza struggle erupted with Hamas’s October 7 assault, which resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israel, principally civilians, in response to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israel’s retaliatory marketing campaign has killed at the least 32,916 folks, principally ladies and youngsters, in response to the well being ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.

Throughout their assault on Israel, Palestinian militants additionally seized round 250 hostages. Israel believes about 130 stay in Gaza, together with 34 who’re presumed useless.


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