Family demands inquiry into James Kirby’s death in Israeli strike

James Kirby, a British aid worker, was killed in an Israeli drone strike on April 1 while part of an aid convoy operated by World Central Kitchen in Gaza. The attack resulted in the deaths of three Britons and four others, with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claiming it was a mistake, believing the convoy had been taken over by Hamas gunmen. Following the incident, the IDF conducted an internal investigation, leading to the dismissal of two officers and reprimanding of two senior commanders. Kirby's family has expressed their deep concern over the lack of communication from the UK government regarding the incident and has called for an independent legal inquiry into the attack. Louise Kirby, James's cousin, emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, stating that the families of victims have not received any condolences or information about investigations from either the UK or Israeli officials. The family is advocating for a thorough investigation to ensure that similar tragedies do not occur in the future and to protect aid workers who are vital in providing assistance to vulnerable populations. They believe that the British government should take action to support its citizens when they are unlawfully harmed by foreign states. In light of the ongoing conflict, the family also called for an immediate ceasefire to safeguard civilians and aid workers, urging Israel to guarantee their protection. The spokesperson for the family highlighted the importance of understanding the circumstances surrounding the attack and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.