The Israeli airstrike that killed seven aid workers delivering food to Gaza civilians has prompted global outrage. Israel’s top general apologized for the “mistake that followed a misidentification.” A CNN analysis of video and images shows the deadly attack appears to have consisted of multiple precision strikes.
US President Joe Biden will express his frustrations over the death of the World Central Kitchen workers in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, according to a US official.
Meanwhile, Iran’s president blamed Israel for a deadly strike on Tehran’s consulate in Syria on Monday, vowing it “will not go unanswered.” The Pentagon assessed that Israel was responsible, but the US reiterated it was not involved in the attack.
US Defense Secretary expresses 'outrage' over aid-worker deaths to Israeli counterpart
From CNN's Colin McCullough
A Palestinian man rides a bicycle past a damaged vehicle where employees from the World Central Kitchen were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza, on April 2.
Ahmed Zakot/Reuters
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed his “outrage” over the Israeli strike on a World Central Kitchen humanitarian aid convoy during a call with his Israeli counterpart on Wednesday.
Austin stressed the need to “immediately take concrete steps to protect aid workers and Palestinian civilians in Gaza after repeated coordination failures with foreign aid groups,” according to a Pentagon readout of the call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
A strike by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) hit a returning World Central Kitchen convoy on Monday. The victims include a dual US-Canada national, a Palestinian, three Brits, an Australian, and a Pole.
The IDF said the incident is being investigated, that the strike was a “grave mistake” and that it did not intend to harm the aid workers.
He also stressed that the strike “makes it more difficult to flood the zone with humanitarian assistance, as Israeli officials have stated they seek to do,” and raised concern over the risk of famine in northern Gaza.
Read more here:
Link Copied!
US forces destroy Houthi missile and drones launched toward warship
US forces destroyed Houthi weapons launched from Yemen toward a warship in the Red Sea on Wednesday, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).
The USS Gravely, a guided missile destroyer, along with CENTCOM forces destroyed an anti-ship ballistic missile and two drones launched by Houthis.
There were no injuries or damage to the ship, CENTCOM said.
Around the same time, US forces “destroyed a mobile surface-to-air missile system in Houthi controlled territory,” CENTCOM said.
Some context: Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been striking ships in the Red Sea since late last year, which they say is revenge against Israel for its military campaign in Gaza.
Most of these missile and drone attacks have been intercepted by US or coalition destroyers or landed harmlessly in the water.
The United States and Britain have conducted multiple rounds of airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen in recent months, but that has not stopped the attacks. The rebel group has continued to fortify its weapons stockpile in Yemen, CNN previously reported.
Link Copied!
In a post in Hebrew, Iran's supreme leader warns Israel it will regret attacking consulate in Damascus
From CNN's Tawfeeq Mohammed
Emergency services work at a building hit by an airstrike in Damascus, Syria, on April 1.
Iran has vowed to retaliate after it accused Israel of bombing its embassy complex in Syria’s capital, in a deadly escalation of regional tensions over the war in Gaza that once again appeared to raise the risk of a wider Middle Eastern conflict.
The airstrike destroyed the consulate building in the Syrian capital, killing at least seven officials, including Mohammed Reza Zahedi, a top commander in Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), and senior commander Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, according to Iran’s foreign ministry.
The Israeli military told CNN it does not comment on foreign reports. However, a military spokesperson said Israel believes the target struck was a “military building of Quds forces,” a unit of the IRGC responsible for foreign operations.
Link Copied!
US demanding Israeli military make changes to help protect aid workers in Gaza, US official says
From CNN's Kayla Tausche
The Biden administration, in private conversations with the Israel Defense Forces and members of the Israeli government, has demanded that the military make changes to the way information is transmitted about where aid workers are stationed, according to a US official.
President Joe Biden also plans to communicate that in his phone call Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the official added.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant instructed forces Tuesday to “maintain an open and transparent line of communication” with international organizations on actions being taken after an Israeli airstrike killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza.
But as the rhetoric from the White House intensifies, it’s become increasingly divorced from the Biden administration’s stated policy on Israel, which continues to receive steadfast, unconditional support in the form of billions of dollars of military aid.
Asked why there had not been “consequences” for Israel as a result of the strike, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, “We are having conversations with the Israeli government… those conversations have been tough.”
Link Copied!
Biden will express frustrations after death of aid workers in call with Netanyahu tomorrow, official says
From CNN's MJ Lee
People inspect the site where World Central Kitchen workers were killed in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, on April 2.
Abdel Kareem Hana/AP
US President Joe Biden will speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, according to a US official.
This would mark the two leaders’ first conversation since Israel killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in a strike in Gaza.
In the aftermath of those deaths, a senior administration official said Biden is “angry” and “increasingly frustrated.” The president is fully prepared to make his point of view known to Netanyahu in their conversation, the official added.
White House officials have emphasized that the US’ stance in supporting Israel’s current military operation remains unchanged.
There has been no “shift in policy,” the official said, but rather a shift in “the president’s frustrations.”
And while the aid worker deaths will serve as the urgent backdrop, Biden is also expected to discuss other issues, including ramping up humanitarian aid to Gaza, the ongoing hostages and ceasefire deal talks, as well as the US’ concerns about a potential ground incursion into Rafah.
The post has been updated with more details from a senior administration official.
Link Copied!
Biden set to speak to Netanyahu after expressing outrage over death of aid workers. Catch up on the latest
From CNN staff
World Central Kitchen has yet to decide when it will resume its humanitarian operations in Gaza after seven workers were killed Monday night in an Israel airstrike.
A United Nations aid agency is also suspending its movements at night for at least 48 hours, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said after the attack that, according to a CNN analysis, appeared to have consisted of multiple precision strikes.
Rafah offensive: The White House is looking to have an in-person meeting with senior officials from Israel next week about potential military operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah after holding a virtual meeting earlier this week. Meanwhile, a statement signed by 13 leading humanitarian and human rights organizations Wednesday called for urgent international action to stop Israel from escalating military operations in Rafah.
Protests in Israel: Family members of the hostages held in Gaza stormed into a gathering of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, on Wednesday. Video posted to X by the Knesset showed family members stepping over seats and putting handprints in yellow paint on the glass above the parliament. Meanwhile, opposition figures have called for fresh elections as Netanyahu faces pressure amid war.
US on ceasefire: Biden “expressed his commitment to continue working to secure an immediate ceasefire as part of a deal to free the hostages and significantly increase humanitarian aid into Gaza,” during a contentious meeting with Muslim leaders at the White House on Tuesday, administration officials said on Wednesday.
Link Copied!
World Central Kitchen has yet to decide when to resume Gaza operations
From CNN's Vasco Cotovio in Jerusalem
World Central Kitchen (WCK) said in a statement Wednesday that a determination has not yet been made about when the non-profit will resume operations in Gaza.
WCK said all of its aid ships are now back in Cyprus
WCK suspended its operations in Gaza after Israeli airstrikes killed seven of its team members on Monday.
More about WCK: The non-profit has provided food aid in warzones and regions recovering from natural disasters since its founding by chef José Andrés in 2010. Andrés created the organization after traveling to Haiti that year to cook for civilians following a devastating earthquake. Since then, the WCK has quickly become one of the world’s foremost food aid providers.
Link Copied!
Aid boat left Gaza without offloading most of its cargo after deadly strike, Cyprus says
From CNN’s Chris Liakos and Niamh Kennedy
A cargo ship with humanitarian aid approaches the port of Larnaca, Cyprus, on April 3 after pausing the mission of delivering humanitarian aid for Gaza.
Yiannis Kourtoglou/Reuters
A boat carrying roughly 332 tons of humanitarian aid left Gaza without offloading most of its cargo following the deadly Israeli military strike which killed several aid workers, according to the Cypriot foreign ministry.
The vessel organized by the non-profit World Central Kitchen (WCK) set sail back to Cyprus following the strike on Monday that killed seven WCK staff, said Theodoros Gotsis, a spokesperson for the ministry.
After unloading some cargo on Monday, workers had planned to unload a further 240 tons of aid, Gotsis said Wednesday. But, after the strike, the WCK announced an immediate pause to operations in the region.
Link Copied!
Israel's military says it’s increasing recruitment and calling up reservists for air defense
From Tamar Michaelis and Sugam Pokharel
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Wednesday that it’s going to increase recruitment and will call up reservists for its air defense.
It comes as Iran has vowed to retaliate after it accused Israel of bombing its embassy complex in Syria on Monday. The bombing was a deadly escalation of regional tensions over the war in Gaza that once again appeared to raise the risk of a wider Middle Eastern conflict.
Link Copied!
Biden expressed commitment to ceasefire and hostage deal during contentious meeting with Muslim leaders
From CNN's Donald Judd
US President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the White House in Washington, DC, on March 26.
Alex Wong/Getty Images/File
President Joe Biden “expressed his commitment to continue working to secure an immediate ceasefire as part of a deal to free the hostages and significantly increase humanitarian aid into Gaza,” during a contentious meeting with Muslim leaders at the White House Tuesday, the White House said Wednesday.
Biden hosted the leaders to discuss Gaza, but the meeting was upended after the sole Palestinian-American participant – Dr. Thaer Ahmad, who has traveled to Gaza to treat wounded civilians – walked out in protest after handing Biden a letter from an 8-year-old orphan girl living in Rafah.
Pressed on Ahmad’s decision to leave the meeting early, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to respond directly, citing participants’ request to keep the meeting private.
CNN has reported that Tuesday’s meeting was originally supposed to take the form of an iftar fast-breaking dinner in honor of Ramadan, but that attendees pushed back, saying it would be inappropriate to talk about the crisis over dinner while people in Gaza are starving.
Link Copied!
Spanish prime minister calls Israel's response to aid worker killings "unacceptable and insufficient"
From CNN's Niamh Kennedy
People gather around the World Central Kitchen vehicle that was hit by an Israeli strike the previous day in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, on April 2.
AFP/Getty Images
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the response from Israel after the strikes that killed several aid workers in Gaza “unacceptable and insufficient.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli authorities were thoroughly investigating the incident which he said involved Israeli forces “unintentionally” striking “innocent people in the Gaza Strip.”
Speaking at a news conference in Doha on Wednesday, Sanchez said countries are keen for more details on “the reason for the bombing,” because the “government of Israel knew of the action and itinerary of this NGO in Gaza.”
Spain has been one of the strongest critics of Israel’s war in Gaza, with Sanchez repeatedly calling on Israel to agree to a ceasefire and allow desperately needed humanitarian aid to enter the enclave.
Link Copied!
Aid groups telling US they are worried about Gaza after World Central Kitchen attack, State Department says
From CNN's Michael Conte
The US has had several conversations with humanitarian aid organizations who said they are concerned about the Israeli strike on World Central Kitchen workers, according to the State Department.
Miller said the aid groups have said they want the Israeli government to “do better” and that the US has pushed the Israeli government to do so.
Link Copied!
Israeli strike on aid workers was "unacceptable," US State Department spokesperson says
From CNN's Jennifer Hansler
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller speaks to reporters in Washington, DC, on April 1.
Celal Gunes/Anadolu/Getty Images/File
The United States State Department said the deadly Israeli strike on a World Central Kitchen convoy is “unacceptable,” no matter the reason.
Spokesperson Matthew Miller noted the Israel Defense Forces called the strike “a misidentification,” which he interpreted as “that while they were targeting those cars, they did not believe that it was the World Central Kitchen that was operating those vehicles at the time.”
“That said, we need to wait and see the outcome of this investigation to know with any confidence what it was that happened,” he said.
Miller also said Israeli officials “don’t have to wait for the outcome of this investigation to … put in place better deconfliction and better coordination measures to protect humanitarian workers and to protect all the civilians on the ground.”
Pier plans unaffected: Despite the strike, the US is still working on constructing a pier to deliver aid to Gaza, Miller said.
“That effort is ongoing. The Pentagon is working hard on that,” he said. “We want to get that stood up as soon as possible.” He did note that “the real question is being able to distribute” aid into Gaza once it reaches the strip, either by land or sea.
Link Copied!
World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés accuses Israel of systematically targeting aid workers
From CNN's Jennifer Hauser
The founder of World Central Kitchen accused Israel of systematically targeting the seven aid workers from his organization who were killed in Gaza this week.
In a Reuters interview, founder chef José Andrés said that it was not a “bad luck situation where, ‘oops,’ we dropped the bomb in the wrong place.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israeli forces “unintentionally struck innocent people,” and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said the strike was a “grave mistake.”
Link Copied!
UN aid agency suspending nighttime movements for 48 hours to assess security concerns
From CNN's Richard Roth and Hamdi Alkhshali
A United Nations aid agency is suspending its movements at night for at least 48 hours, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Wednesday.
The move, impacting the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), will be used to assess security concerns impacting humanitarian work in the region, Dujarric said.
It comes after seven World Central Kitchen aid workers were killed in Gaza earlier this week.
Link Copied!
Key opposition leaders call for early elections in Israel
From Tamar Michaelis in Jerusalem and Ami Kaufman in London
Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz speaks in Kiryat Shmona, Israel, in November 2023.
Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
Key Israeli opposition figures are calling for fresh elections in Israel.
Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz, a main political rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has openly called for parliamentary elections in September in a public briefing Wednesday.
Gantz said that he has notified the Israeli prime minister of his request, but he refused to say if he will leave the coalition if the government fails to decide on an election date. Gantz has been one of the most vocal opponents of Netanyahu from within the war cabinet.
Netanyahu’s party responds: TheLikud party urged Gantz to “stop engaging in petty politics” while Israel is at war. “Elections now will inevitably lead to paralysis, division, damage to the fighting in Rafah and fatal damage to the chances of a hostage deal,” the party said in a statement. “The government will continue until all the goals of the war are achieved.”
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid called for the current government to resign “as early as possible” in response to Gantz’s statement. “The State of Israel can’t wait for six more months until this terrible, dangerous and most failed government in this country’s history leaves. This government should leave as early as possible so we can bring back the hostages, allow the return of evacuated citizens, win over Hamas and ensure that someone’s caring for the Israeli middle class,” Lapid said in a post on X on Wednesday.
Remember: This is not the first time fresh elections have been called for.Another minister Gadi Eisenkot also called for the same earlier this year, saying elections are important “to renew the trust, as currently there is no trust.” There have also been large public protests in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, a significant challenge to the increasingly embattled leadership of Netanyahu.
Link Copied!
More than a dozen leading aid agencies call for urgent international action ahead of possible Rafah offensive
From CNN's Hamdi Alkhshali and Sarah Sirgany
Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, Gaza, on April 2.
Mohammed Salem/Reuters
A statement signed by 13 leading humanitarian and human rights organizations Wednesday called for urgent international action to stop Israel from escalating military operations in Rafah. If unstopped, the groups warn, the already dire humanitarian consequences in the southernmost Gaza city could be catastrophic.
The planned Israeli ground offensive in the city threatens the lives of more than a million civilians, most who have been displaced with limited access to essential services and nowhere safe to seek refuge.
The statement also emphasizes the absence of a viable civilian evacuation plan. Under international humanitarian law, Israel is obligated to ensure the safety and well-being of displaced civilians, yet no safe havens exist within or outside Gaza, the statement notes. Moreover, previous “safe zones” have been targeted by Israeli forces, jeopardizing the lives of civilians and aid workers alike. Israel has denied targeting civilians.
Link Copied!
White House expresses support of Israel in war against Hamas despite outrage following aid workers' deaths
From CNN's Sam Fossum
US President Joe Biden delivers remarks in Raleigh, North Carolina, on March 26.
Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters
Even as US President Joe Biden issued a statement expressing frustration and outrage over the deaths of the seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, the administration reiterated its support of Israel’s war against Hamas — while also warning that Israel is not doing enough to protect civilians in the Palestinian enclave.
Kirby’s comments come after the deaths of the workers who were attempting to deliver food to starving civilians in the besieged enclave — including a dual US-Canadian citizen – which has raised the frustration for Biden and his top officials to a new level, a senior administration official told CNN.
When pressed by CNN’s MJ Lee about whether the White House still supports how Israel is prosecuting the war, Kirby said the administration has been clear and public about its objections but would not go so far as to withdraw its support.
“I want to make it clear that while we take issue with aspects of how operations are being conducted, particularly like saying, quite frankly, publicly, we don’t support a ground operation in Rafah, we also continue to believe and continue to act on the belief that Israel has a right to defend itself against the still-viable threat by Hamas,” Kirby said.
Link Copied!
"He died trying to help people," family of British national killed in Gaza says
From CNN’s Niamh Kennedy in London
John Chapman.
From World Central Kitchen
The family of John Chapman, one of the three British nationals killed in an Israeli military strike on an aid convoy in Gaza, said they are “devastated” by his death.
The family of the British citizen, who was a security team member for the nonprofit World Central Kitchen, said he “was loved by many and will forever be a hero.”
“He will be missed dearly,” the statement added.
Link Copied!
White House could have in-person meeting with Israeli delegation about Rafah next week
From CNN's Samantha Waldenberg
The White House is looking to have an in-person meeting with senior officials from Israel next week on potential military operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah after holding a virtual meeting earlier this week.
Following Monday’s meeting, a US official told CNN that the two delegations discussed the situation in Rafah, and that US officials presented to their Israeli counterparts alternatives to a major ground operation into southern Gaza.
After the meeting ended, a US official told CNN that US President Joe Biden’s administration had “no expectation” there would be a breakthrough, and the White House saw the meeting as only the latest in a series of discussions that will continue in the coming weeks about a possible Israeli ground offensive into the southern Gaza city.
Monday’s meeting lasted for more than two-and-a-half hours, and those participating from the US side included national security adviser Jake Sullivan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, principal deputy national security adviser Jon Finer and White House Middle East adviser Brett McGurk.
Remember: A previously scheduled meeting was called off by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the United States declined to block a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held captive by Hamas — signs of the ever-simmering tension between Israel and its most powerful ally.
Link Copied!
British aid worker killed by Israeli airstrike "was selfless," cousin says
From CNN’s Eve Brennan in London
James Kirby.
From World Central Kitchen
British aid worker James Kirby, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, was a caring man and military veteran, according to his family.
“He was selfless; he would help anybody,” Kirby’s cousin, Adam McGuire, told CNN affiliate ITV on Wednesday.
Kirby was part of the World Central Kitchen’s security team and died in the Israel Defense Forces strike that killed seven aid workers on Monday. He had previously served in the British Armed Forces in Afghanistan and Bosnia, his cousin said.
“This is one of the reasons he felt he had to go and work with World Central Kitchen. He knew he had to go, his friends were telling him this was probably a bad place to go, but he knew he had to go and help people and that was James all over, he just didn’t think of himself,” he added.
Link Copied!
Analysis shows Israeli attack that killed aid workers consisted of multiple precision strikes
From CNN’s Allegra Goodwin and Gianluca Mezzofiore
People inspect a vehicle with a logo of World Central Kitchen after it was hit by an Israeli airstrike in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, on Tuesday, April 2.
Ismael Abu Dayyah/AP
A deadly Israeli attack that killed seven aid workers from the nonprofit World Central Kitchen (WCK) in Gaza on Monday appears to have consisted of multiple precision strikes, a CNN analysis of aftermath videos and images found.
WCK said in a statement Tuesday that its team was traveling in a “deconflicted zone” in two armored cars and one unarmored vehicle, after dropping off more than 100 tons of food supplies at a warehouse in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, when the attack occurred. The charity said it had coordinated the convoy’s movements with the Israeli military.
CNN geolocated video and imagery of all three destroyed vehicles, at least one of which was clearly marked with a WCK logo on its roof, to two positionson the strip’s Al Rashid coastal road, and a third location on an off-road area of open ground nearby. The first location is around 2.4 kilometers (about 1.5 miles) from the third, indicating that the three vehicles were hit by separate strikes.
The first vehicle, which appeared to have suffered the least damage, was geolocated on Al Rashid street just outside Deir al-Balah. The second car, which was clearly fire damaged with a hole through its WCK-marked roof, was located around 800 meters down the same road. CNN geolocated the third car, which seems to be the “soft skin” or unarmored vehicle referenced in WCK’s statement and appeared to be the most heavily damaged, to an open field 1.6 kilometers from the second car.
Family members of hostages held in Gaza storm the gallery of Israel's parliament
From CNN's Lauren Izso
A screengrab taken from video posted to X shows family members of hostages held in Gaza stepping over seats in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, on Wednesday, April 3.
@KnessetT via X
Family members of the hostages held in Gaza stormed into a gathering of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, on Wednesday.
Video posted to X by the Knesset showed family members stepping over seats and putting handprints in yellow paint on the glass above the parliament.
Other protesters stood with yellow paint on their hands and held their hands up, the video shows.
Opposition members of the Knesset joined them, chanting “now, now,” according to a statement posted on the official X page.
The protesters left shortly after entering the public gallery, after one man was forcibly removed by security. Some left pictures of hostages on seats, which are still visible on the Knesset’s live feed.
This post has been updated with more details on family members leaving the gallery.
Link Copied!
"Britain will be watching very closely," foreign minister tells Israel about getting more aid into Gaza
From CNN's Radina Gigova in London
UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron addresses media during a statement ahead of a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on April 3.
Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP/Getty Images
More humanitarian assistance and “proper deconfliction” that would allow the movement of aid within Gaza are essential for those who remain in the enclave, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron said Wednesday.
Cameron also denounced the “dreadful events” that led to the death of seven humanitarian workers who were delivering aid, including three British citizens.
Cameron said he welcomes what the Israeli ambassador to London told him on Tuesday about “a full, urgent and transparent inquiry,” after being summoned over the killing of the World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza. “We want to see this happen very, very quickly,” he added.
The foreign minister reiterated his commitment to getting aid into Gaza, saying it was “essential” and that Britain would be watching “very closely” to ensure it happens.
Link Copied!
UK should stop selling weapons to Israel, former security adviser says
From CNN’s Eve Brennan in London
Sir Peter Ricketts is pictured speaking during an event in Paris, France, in 2015.
Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images
Former UK security adviser and member of the British House of Lords Peter Ricketts said the country should stop selling weapons to Israel.
“A country that gets arms from the UK has to comply with international humanitarian law – that’s a condition of the arms export license. So, honestly, I think the time has come to send that signal,” he added.
In response to the remarks, a UK government spokesperson said: “We keep advice on Israel’s adherence to International Humanitarian Law under review and will act in accordance with that advice. All export licence applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.”
Some background: Last year, Secretary of State for Defense Grant Shapps told the House of Commons that the UK’s “defense exports to Israel are relatively small—just 42 million pounds ($56.7 million) last year,” he said in November 2023, adding that such exports “go through a very strict criteria before anything is exported.”
Link Copied!
Suspect killed after 4 Israeli officers injured in car ramming attack at checkpoint, police say
From CNN's Lauren Izso in Tel Aviv
Four police officers were lightly injured in a car ramming attack early Wednesday morning at a security checkpoint in central Israel, police say.
The assailant “subsequently continued to the Eliyahu crossing and attempted to stab security personnel who neutralized him,” the statement said, and his death was “determined at the scene.”
The victims were evacuated to hospital, according to Magen David Adam emergency services.
Police later identified the attacker as a 26-year-old male from the Israeli Arab town of Tira, near the location of the attack.
Police said the initial investigation ruled out any indication of an accomplice.
Link Copied!
Israeli minister calls for unity following violent anti-government protests in Jerusalem
From Lauren Izso in Tel Aviv
Police try to push back demonstrators in a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and call for the release of hostages held in Gaza, in Jerusalem, on April 2.
Ohad Zwigenberg/AP
War cabinet minister Benny Gantz has urged calm following “violent” protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
On Tuesday night, some anti-government protesters breached security barriers near Netanyahu’s Jerusalem residence according to social media videos. Israeli media reported several arrests.
Police said while most of the protesters behaved according to the law, some attempted to reach the residence of the prime minister and were arrested.
While anti-government protests have been held weekly in Tel Aviv, demonstrators have relocated to Jerusalem this week to protest ahead of the Knesset’s recess, calling for new elections and for the government to do more to have the remaining hostages released.
Link Copied!
Top US humanitarian official says aid worker deaths are "devastating and deeply alarming"
From CNN's Jennifer Hansler
The top US humanitarian aid official said the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen workers in Gaza, as well as “the deaths of more than 30,000 Palestinians and 200 humanitarian workers in this conflict, are devastating and deeply alarming.”
US Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power said she had shared with WCK Founder Jose Andres “deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of those killed.”
Power reiterated that the Israeli government and the IDF “must do much more to facilitate this work.”
Link Copied!
It's morning in the Middle East. Here's what you need to know
From CNN staff
The Israel Defense Forces’ chief of staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi apologized Tuesday for the airstrikes that killed seven aid workers in Gaza, calling it “a mistake that followed a misidentification.” He said the fatal incident is being investigated.
US President Joe Biden said he was “outraged and heartbroken” by the killings of the humanitarian aid workers, adding that Israel has “not done enough to protect civilians.”
World Central Kitchen, that charity that employed the aid workers, on Tuesday shared the identities of those who were killed: John Chapman, 57; James (Jim) Henderson, 33; James Kirby, 47; Jacob Flickinger, 33; Damian Sobol; Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom and Saifeddin Issam.
Here are the latest headlines from the region:
Reactions to aid worker deaths: In a call with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Britain’s Rishi Sunak “demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation” and said he was appalled by the attack. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had a “reasonably long” phone call with Netanyahu, during which he said Netanyahu expressed his condolences for the death of Australian citizen Zomi Frankcom and “committed to full transparency” in the investigation into the strike.
Fury in the White House: The strike has touched off fury and indignation inside the White House, frustrating Biden and his top officials to a new level, a senior administration official told CNN. It has been a “standout incident” for the administration, the official said, prompting serious consternation and concern in what had already been a moment of high tensions between the US and Israel.
Damascus aftermath: The US assesses that Israel carried out the fatal airstrike in Damascus on Monday, on what Iran has said was a consulate building, the Pentagon said. Iran and Syria also accused Israel of authoring the attack, with Tehran warning of a “serious response,” and the powerful Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah saying the strike would be met with “punishment and revenge.” Iran also said it would hold the US “answerable” due to its support of Israel. The US has reiterated that it was not involved.
More from the US: The Biden administration has come under immense scrutiny domestically, and from members of the US government workforce, for its policy on Israel and the Gaza war. Secretary of State Antony Blinken marked the start of National Arab American Heritage Month by noting that it comes “at a time of immense pain.” Underscoring the high tensions, a Palestinian-American doctor on Tuesday walked out of a meeting with Biden before it was over “out of respect” for his community. He told CNN he was disappointed that he was the only Palestinian in attendance.
Jerusalem protesters: Some anti-government protesters breached security barriers near Netanyahu’s Jerusalem residence Tuesday, according to social media videos. Israeli police said most of the demonstrators behaved lawfully, but noted that some were “disorderly” as they tried to approach the leader’s home. Israeli media reported several arrests.
Renewed request: The Palestinian Authority sent the UN secretary-general a letter renewing its request for UN membership, according to a post on social media from the Palestinian permanent observer mission to the UN on Tuesday.
Link Copied!
Australian aid worker killed in Gaza leaves "legacy of compassion, bravery and love," family says
From CNN’s Dhruv Tikekar and Manveena Suri
Zomi Frankcom.
From World Central Kitchen
The family of an Australian aid worker killed in Gaza says she leaves a “legacy of compassion, bravery and love for all those in her orbit.”
A statement issued by Zomi Frankcom’s family said they are “deeply mourning the news that our brave and beloved Zomi has been killed doing the work she loves delivering food to the people of Gaza.
It added that the family was “still reeling from the shock” and has asked for “privacy during this difficult time”.
Foreign nationals were among the seven aid workers from the non-profit World Central Kitchen killed in an Israeli military strike on Tuesday as they were delivering food to starving civilians in Gaza.
Speaking to reporters during a press conference in Canberra on Wednesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for full accountability for the deaths and said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was working to have her body returned to Australia.
Link Copied!
Aid worker killings have touched off fury inside the Biden White House, official says
From CNN's MJ Lee
President Joe Biden exits the Oval Office of the White House before boarding Marine One on March 22.
Bonnie Cash/UPI/Bloomber/Getty Images
An Israeli strike in Gaza that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers has touched off fury and indignation inside the White House, prompting President Joe Biden on Tuesday to release a public statement using a word he has rarely invoked over the course of the tragedy-ridden conflict: “Outraged.”
The deaths of the workers who were delivering food to starving civilians in the besieged enclave — including one dual US-Canadian citizen – has frustrated Biden and his top officials to a new level, a senior administration official told CNN.
The strike has been a “standout incident” as far as the White House is concerned, the official said, prompting serious consternation and concern in what had already been a moment of high tensions between the US and Israel.
The president discussed the deaths of the workers with a small group of Muslim community leaders at the White House Tuesday, according to one of the attendee
s. Some of the participants were doctors who had spent time in Gaza and had seen first-hand the plight of the Palestinian civilians there. One of them, CNN reported, walked out of the meeting early in a show of protest.
Asked about Biden blaming Israel for failing to protect civilians and aid workers in his statement, a senior adviser to the president told CNN: “It’s what he wanted to say.”
Link Copied!
Biden says Israel has "not done enough to protect civilians" in Gaza after airstrikes kill 7 aid workers
From CNN's Nikki Carvajal
US President Joe Biden said he is “outraged and heartbroken” after an Israeli air strike in Gaza killed seven aid workers Monday. He admitted the strike was “not a stand-alone incident” and that Israel has “not done enough to protect civilians.”
He wrote that Israel had “pledged to conduct a thorough investigation” into the incident, but that the “investigation must be swift, it must bring accountability, and its findings must be made public.”
“Even more tragically, this is not a stand-alone incident,” Biden wrote.
He said that incidents like this “simply should not happen,” and that “Israel has also not done enough to protect civilians.”
Link Copied!
World Central Kitchen identifies 7 aid workers killed by Israeli strike
From CNN's Hira Humayun
From top left, Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, Laizawmi "Zomi" Frankcom, Damian Soból, Jacob Flinkinger, John Chapman, James "Jim" Henderson and James Kirby.
From World Central Kitchen
The World Central Kitchen (WCK) shared the identities of the seven aid workers who were killed by an Israeli strike in central Gaza on Monday.
In a post on X on Tuesday, the aid group named the victims:
John Chapman, 57, a British citizen on the security team.
James (Jim) Henderson, 33, a British citizen on the security team.
James Kirby, 47, a British citizen on the security team.
Jacob Flickinger, 33, a US-Canadian dual citizen on the relief team.
Damian Sobol, 35, a Polish citizen on the relief team.
Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom, 43, an Australian citizen and a lead on the relief team.
Saifeddin Issam, 25, a Palestinian on the relief team.
The IDF said the incident was being investigated and that the strike was a “grave mistake” and that it did not intend to harm the aid workers.
Link Copied!
Palestinian-American doctor says he walked out of meeting with Biden and Muslim community
From CNN's Betsy Klein and Alex Marquardt
A Palestinian-American doctor walked out of a meeting with US President Joe Biden before it was over Tuesday evening, underscoring the high tensions, anger and concern from Arab, Palestinian and Muslim-American communities around the Israel-Hamas war.
Dr. Thaer Ahmad, an emergency physician from Chicago who traveled to Gaza earlier this year, told CNN he abruptly left the meeting that included Vice President Kamala Harris, national security adviser Jake Sullivan, other administration officials and a small group of Muslim community leaders.
Following the meeting, a White House official said in a statement that the president and vice president “know this is a deeply painful moment for many in the Muslim and Arab communities.”
Ahmad traveled to Gaza as part of a delegation of doctors from the NGO MedGlobal, working in the city of Khan Younis as fighting raged around the Al Nasser hospital. He discussed his experience there, citing massive numbers of displaced, injured and dying people, and he spoke out against an expected Israeli offensive in Rafah.
Before he left, he handed Biden a letter from an 8-year-old orphaned girl, Hadeel, who lives in Rafah.
“I beg you, President Biden, stop them from entering Rafah,” a translation of the letter shared with CNN says. Hadeel is referring to Israel’s declared plan to enter the southern Gaza city, which the US has said Israel should not do without a comprehensive plan to protect civilian lives.
Biden told him he understood that he needed to leave, Ahmad said.
CNN previously reported that what was supposed to be an iftar dinner to break the Ramadan fast was changed to a meeting because participants didn’t feel comfortable having a celebratory meal while hundreds of thousands in Gaza are on the brink of famine.
Link Copied!
Israeli general says strike on World Central Kitchen team was a "mistake that followed a misidentification"
From CNN's Jeremy Diamond
A person looks at a vehicle where employees from the World Central Kitchen were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza, on April 2.
Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said in a video statement Tuesday that the military completed a preliminary debrief and determined it did not intend to kill the aid workers.
He called the strike “a grave mistake,” and vowed that the Israel Defense Forces “will continue taking immediate actions to ensure that more is done to protect humanitarian aid workers.
“This incident was a grave mistake. Israel is at war with Hamas, not with the people of Gaza,” Halevi added.
Link Copied!
Protesters confront Israeli police near Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem
From CNN's Ami Kaufman and Tim Lister
Some anti-government protesters Tuesday breached security barriers near the Jerusalem residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to social media videos.
Israeli police said most of the demonstrators behaved lawfully, but noted that some were “disorderly” as they tried to approach Netanyahu’s residence. Israeli media reported several arrests.
One video shows a confrontation between police and Ayala Metzger — the daughter-in-law of one of the hostages held in Gaza. Metzger can be seen being wrestled to the ground as police tried to confiscate a megaphone she was carrying.
Another video showed protesters and police struggling over steel barricades. One man crawled beneath a police water cannon vehicle to prevent it from moving.
National Security Minister Ben Gvir criticized the Israeli security services for allowing protesters to get so close to Netanyahus’ residence.
Other protesters marched toward Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s residence.
Link Copied!
US assessment is that Israel carried out strike in Damascus, Pentagon says
The Israeli government has not acknowledged carrying out the strike.
Singh said the Pentagon was “not notified by the Israelis about their strike, or the intended target of their strike, in Damascus.” Israel denied the claim that the building hit was a consulate, saying Monday that it was a “military building of Quds forces,” which is a unit of the IRGC.
Singh said that she couldn’t confirm what type of building was hit in the strike. “Again this was not a US strike so I don’t have a lot of details on what type of building that was. But no, we don’t support attacks on diplomatic facilities,” she said.
Link Copied!
Blinken marks National Arab American Heritage Month "at a time of immense pain" in Gaza
From CNN's Jennifer Hansler
The top US diplomat marked the start of National Arab American Heritage Month in a statement Tuesday by noting that it comes “at a time of immense pain.”
The Biden administration has come under immense scrutiny domestically, and from members of the US government workforce, for its policy on Israel and the Gaza war.
Blinken said the US is committed to pursuing a deal that would secure the release of hostages still being held in Gaza and allow more humanitarian aid to enter the enclave.
“I value the conversations I have participated in with my Arab American colleagues and with members of the larger Arab American community on US policy in the region. I will continue to seek their counsel as we pursue lasting peace and security in the Middle East,” he said.
Link Copied!
White House reiterates no US involvement in Damascus strike that Iran blamed on Israel
From CNN's Donald Judd
President Joe Biden’s administration reiterated Tuesday that it was not involved in an airstrike Monday on an Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, that left at least 13 people dead.
Iran and Syria accused Israel of authoring the attack, with Tehran warning of a “serious response,” and the powerful Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah saying the strike will be met with “punishment and revenge.” Iran also said it would hold the United States “answerable” due to its support of Israel.
On Monday, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani responded to the strike, which claimed the life of a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander, Mohammed Reza Zahedi.
“Iran preserves the right to take reciprocal measures and will decide the type of response and punishment against the aggressor,” Kanaani said, according to IRGC-affiliated Fars News.
Some context: The US has accused Iran of supporting proxy attacks on US and Western targets since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. In January, a drone attack killed three American soldiers at a US outpost in Jordan, which the US attributed to the Iran-backed umbrella group Islamic Resistance in Iraq, though the incident caught Tehran by surprise and worried political leadership there, officials told CNN at the time, citing US intelligence.
Link Copied!
Thousands of Israeli protesters call for Netanyahu's removal from office and the release of hostages
From CNN's Amy Cassidy and Ami Kaufman
More anti-government protests were held Tuesday in Israel where demonstrators called for the removal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza.
Israeli media reported several thousand people gathered in front of the parliament building in Jerusalem, marking the third of a four-day wave of protests. They are the largest anti-government protests since Israel’s war with Hamas began on October 7.
Einav Zangauker, mother of a hostage being held in Gaza, criticized Netanyahu, saying:
Images from Jerusalem showed people holding signs accusing the Israeli government of “abandoning” hostages as well as “inciting and instigating” the war.
Link Copied!
Israeli president apologizes to World Central Kitchen founder
From CNN's Tim Lister
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he apologized to founder Jose Andres of World Central Kitchen after Israeli drone strikes killed seven of its aid workers Monday.
Herzog “expressed his deep sorrow and sincere apologies over the tragic loss of life of WCK staff in the Gaza Strip last night, and sent his condolences to their families and loved ones,” according to a post on X from the presidency.
Link Copied!
Biden administration outraged by Israeli airstrike that killed aid workers, official says
From CNN's Nikki Carvajal
The Biden administration is outraged by an Israeli airstrike that killed several aid workers in Gaza, the White House said Tuesday, adding US President Joe Biden also spoke with the organization’s founder, José Andrés, to express his condolences.
Kirby said the White House had seen comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Defense Forces that they would investigate and said the administration expected the investigation to be conducted “in a swift and comprehensive manner.”
“We hope that those findings will be made public and that there is appropriate accountability held,” Kirby said. He said a preliminary investigation had already been completed.
Kirby said one of the victims was a dual-national United States citizen.
Link Copied!
US has "longstanding commitment" to Israel's security, Blinken says as scrutiny over military sale grows
From CNN's Jennifer Hansler
The US has a “longstanding commitment” to Israel’s security, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken argued Tuesday as the administration’s arms transfers to the Israel government come under growing scrutiny.
The top US diplomat stressed that commitment has been consistent across Democratic and Republican administrations.
CNN reported Monday that the US is close to approving the sale of as many as 50 American-made F-15 fighter jets to Israel, in a deal expected to be worth more than $18 billion, according to three people familiar with the matter.
The weapons go toward Israel’s self-defense, replenishment of stocks and supplies, and deterrence from more conflicts, he argued. He also noted that many of the sales were approved years before the war in Gaza, saying “these complex systems can take years.”
He said “every single” arms transfer happens within policy requirements, adding that President Joe Biden’s administration is “going above and beyond the law” to keep Congress apprised.
$18 billion sale of jets: CNN reported Monday the US is close to approving the sale of as many as 50 American-made F-15 fighter jets to Israel, in a deal expected to be worth more than $18 billion, according to three people familiar with the matter.
Link Copied!
Israel takes responsibility for killing aid workers in strike, prime minister's spokesperson says
From CNN's Hande Atay Alam
A Palestinian man rides a bicycle past a damaged vehicle where employees from the World Central Kitchen were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza, on Tuesday.
Ahmed Zakot/Reuters
A spokesperson for Israel’s prime minister said Tuesday that the country takes responsibility for its mistakes, referring to the killing of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in central Gaza.
Tal Heinrich noted that Israel is still waiting for the findings of an investigation into the killings.
Link Copied!
What the deadly strike on humanitarian workers could mean for aid delivery across Gaza
From CNN staff
World Central Kitchen (WCK), one of the few organizations delivering desperately needed food to Gaza, announced it was pausing its operations in Gaza following Israel’s strike on aid workers delivering food to starving Palestinians.
Its announcement means there will be even less food reaching the besieged enclave, where aid organizations warn that 2.2 million people do not have enough to eat and half of the population is on the brink of starvation and famine due to Israel’s throttling of aid and widespread destruction.
Shortly after WCK announced it was pausing its operations, so did American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), an organization that has provided about 150,000 meals a day to Gazans in coordination with WCK.
Meanwhile, the main agency responsible for aid distribution in Gaza, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), is also struggling to meet the demand for requirements amid ongoing funding suspensions and blockades from accessing parts of Gaza by Israel.
The US and 13 other allies pulled funding for UNRWA after Israeli allegations that some of its staff were involved in Hamas’ October 7 attack. However, funding has since been restored by several countries, including Canada, Australia, and — as of Tuesday — Japan.
Cyprus’ President Nikos Christodoulides has vowed to maintain the maritime corridor delivering humanitarian aid from Cyprus to Gaza, saying “the tragic events should not discourage us.”
Link Copied!
Al-Shifa Hospital no longer able to function, WHO says
From CNN’s Eve Brennan in London
Al-Shifa Hospital “is now in ruins” following Israel’s 14-day siege, World Health Organization (WHO) spokesperson Margaret Harris said at a news conference on Tuesday.
Harris said WHO is hoping to send a mission on Tuesday to Al-Shifa “to see what we can do, to help, what aid we can provide.” She added that a ceasefire “should have happened months ago, but it must happen now.”
In a briefing Monday, spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the IDF had distinguished between patients, medics and civilians sheltering at the medical complex and militants, adding that it had done its utmost to avoid civilian harm, reaffirming the 14-day siege was an “anti-terror” mission.
At least 300 bodies have been uncovered there so far, according to Gaza’s Civil Defense, and one witness described the destructive aftermath as like a scene from a “horror movie.”
Determining the precise number of people killed is difficult, it added, because Israeli troops had buried bodies inside and around the complex and bulldozed nearby roads.
