Israel’s Minister of Economy, Nir Barkat, has denied claims that Israeli forces deliberately targeted seven World Central Kitchen, WCK, aid workers in Gaza.
WCK Founder José Andrés had accused Israel of targeting his workers “systematically, car by car.”
Dismissing the claim, Barkat described Andrés’ comment as “nonsense.”
He said the strikes that killed the workers were a “grave mistake,” adding that the incident would be investigated.
Speaking to BBC News, he said Israel was “terribly sorry” about killing the seven aid workers, but “unfortunately, in wars friendly fire happens.”
He said the deaths of aid workers and civilians were “part of war.”
The killings have drawn widespread international condemnation.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has “demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation.”
Similarly, the United States President, Joe Biden, had accused Israel of not doing enough to protect aid workers and civilians.
Gaza: Aid workers’ killing was not deliberate – Israeli Minister
