Editorial 03 April 2024.
Many of Wednesday’s front pages report on the Israeli air strike that killed seven foreign aid workers in Gaza. Amongst the dead were three British men – who worked as security for the World Central Kitchen (WCK) kitchen charity. Following the deaths of the aid workers, the charity has now suspended their operations in Gaza. It comes as the strip is on the brink of famine, and news of the food charity suspending operations adds to heightened fears of mass starvation.
seven aid workers killed
by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza
pm demands answers from Israel
Brits killed in Gaza – aid workers killed in Israeli strike
The deaths of the seven workers make almost every front page – with many splashing on images of the three British men killed. Regardless of political leanings, most papers demand lead on the same story and demand answers from Israel.
The Mirror says “Killed trying to feed starving kids,” and features a large image of the blow-out roof of one of the vehicles bearing the WCK logo. The paper has an inset of four of the seven aid workers killed.
The Daily Express notes that two of the three British victims – James Henderson and John Chapman – were former Royal Marines and the other, James Kirby, was a former soldier.
John Chapman is the focus of the Sun newspaper, with the paper describing him as a “Special Boat Service hero.” A similar image of a wrecked WCK charity vehicle features on the Sun’s front page.
The Guardian has a photo of the burned-out interior of one of the vehicles caught in the attack. The paper says the humanitarian situation in Gaza “seems likely to worsen” in the wake of what happened. The paper notes that many aid organisations have already suspended their operations.
Several of the papers, including the i, say the UK government is demanding answers from Israel. UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron has called on Israel to “urgently explain” the circumstances of the fatal strike.
The Telegraph leads on the prime minister telling Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu he was “appalled” by the attack.
The Times says: “Outcry at aid worker deaths” while the FT says Netanyahu has admitted to his military’s “tragic” error.
