Day 182 of the Gaza War- Special Edition

Tel Aviv Diary April 5, 2024

NOTE: Sunday, April 7th, Zoom Briefing on the war. 11 AM EST / 6PM Israel Time. Invites will go out on Sunday morning.

I am publishing a special Friday edition to share the full text from the IDF regarding two investigations. The first addresses the report on the tragic killing of WCK workers. Notably absent from the report is an explanation of why the order to attack was given so readily when it’s unclear that there was immediate danger to anyone. The next edition of the update will be posted on Sunday.

The second report, concerning the accidental killing of one of the hostages by the Air Force on October 7th, underscores the challenges the Air Force faced that day. Typically, Air Force operations are done in one of two methods: targeting pre-defined objectives or closely collaborating with ground support. However, In this instance, there were no established targets, and the liaison personnel on the ground were either deceased or unable to communicate.

TRAGIC DEATHS OF WCK AID WORKERS

The investigation into the tragic event in which seven workers of the humanitarian organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed in the Gaza Strip due to our forces' actions was conducted by the IDF's investigative body, under the leadership of Major General (Res.) Yoav Har-Even. The findings were presented to the IDF Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, yesterday (Thursday).

The incident occurred on April 1, 2024, during a humanitarian aid delivery mission by the WCK organization to the Gaza Strip. The investigation revealed that IDF forces identified one armed individual on the aid trucks and later believed there was an additional armed person. After the vehicles left the warehouse where the aid was unloaded, a commander mistakenly thought that the armed individuals were in the escort vehicles and misidentified them as Hamas terrorists.

The forces failed to recognize the vehicles in question belonged to the WCK organization. Consequently, due to this misidentification by the forces, three WCK vehicles were attacked based on the mistaken belief that they contained Hamas operatives, leading to the death of seven unarmed humanitarian workers. The attack on the three vehicles was carried out in severe breach of the commands of the established rules and directives of engagement.

The investigation’s findings suggest that the tragic incident was preventable. However, those who authorized the assault were convinced they were targeting armed Hamas operatives, not WCK personnel. The damage inflicted on the aid vehicles was a grave error, stemming from a severe failure due to misidentification, flawed decision-making, and an attack that went against the prescribed directives for engaging in fire.

Following the presentation of the investigation findings and in light of the grave consequences of the incident, the Chief of Staff resolved to implement the following disciplinary measures: The Brigade's Humanitarian Assistance Commander, a Lieutenant Colonel, will face proceedings for removal from post. Similarly, proceedings to remove the Brigade's Operations Officer, a Major in reserves, will be initiated. Additionally, disciplinary reprimands will be issued against the Brigade Commander and the Commander of Division 162. The Chief of Staff also decided to issue a command reprimand to the Commander of the Southern Command, holding him accountable for the overall oversight for the incident.

The IDF views the grave incident that claimed the lives of seven humanitarian workers, uninvolved and innocent, with severity. We express our deep sorrow for the loss and sympathize with the families and the WCK organization. We attribute the utmost importance to the vital humanitarian work of international aid organizations and will continue to facilitate and assist their operations while ensuring their security and protecting their lives.

The IDF reaffirms its commitment to an uncompromising fight against the Hamas organization, while maintaining the values of the IDF, the laws of warfare, and avoiding harm to the innocent. The IDF will learn the lessons from the incident and integrate the required lessons for the future.

INVESTIGATION OF AIR FORCE CONDUCT

A summary of the findings on the conduct of the Air Force during the abduction of Efrat Katz z"l on October 7th from Kibbutz Nir Oz:

The findings of the investigation into the Air Force's operation during the abduction of Efrat Katz z"l from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, during the surprise murderous attack led by the Hamas terror organization on October 7th, were presented today (Friday) to her family and the families of the abductees involved in the event.

The investigation was conducted by a special team established under the direction of the Air Force Commander to examine the issue, alongside in-depth investigations of all the combat events on 10/07. The investigation was based on combat helicopter footage fighting in the sector at that time and remotely manned aircraft, security cameras from Kibut Nir Oz, and testimony from air crews operating in the area, as well as from Efrat Katz z"l's family and other witnesses present during the event.

On October 7th, the IDF failed to protect civilians and went to war. During the surprise attack, Hamas and other terror organizations invaded several Israeli settlements, killing Israeli and foreign civilians.

The investigation's findings indicate that during the battles and airstrikes, one of the combat helicopters participating in the fight fired at a vehicle containing terrorists, which, according to testimonies, also had abductees in it. As a result of the firing, most of the terrorists in the vehicle were killed, and presumably, Efrat Katz z"l as well.

The investigation team's conclusions revealed that it was impossible to distinguish Israeli abductees in the moving vehicle with the existing observation systems, and the firing was defined as firing at a vehicle with terrorists.

Air Force Commander, Major General Tomer Bar, summarized the event's findings and emphasized that the Air Force conducted an honest and transparent investigation, out of deep commitment to the bereaved family and the families of the abductees. Furthermore, he accepted the team's investigation results, noting that the findings pertain to the Air Force's part in this event. It is a tragic and sorrowful event that occurred amidst combat under uncertain conditions. The Air Force Commander found no fault in the helicopter crew's actions, who acted according to orders under complex wartime reality.

The investigation team's findings were presented to the bereaved family and the families of the abductees. The IDF shares the sorrow of th  the Nir Oz community. Alongside the ongoing war, the IDF continues to investigate the events of 10/07, including the events in Nir Oz. Upon completion, the findings will be transparently presented to the public.