*Britain, Poland Demands Explanation Over Aid Workers Killed In Gaza
*IDF Commits To Probe Of Deaths
CHINA has issued a strong condemnation of a suspected Israeli air attack on the grounds of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, Syria, that claimed the lives of two Iranian Generals.
A statement by its Foreign Ministry spokesman, Wang Wenbin, in Beijing, added that the security of diplomatic institutions must not be violated and the sovereignty and independence of Syria must be respected, saying China is opposed to all actions leading to increased tensions.
China maintains close ties with Iran, importing large quantities of oil from the country, which remains under sanction by Western countries.
It also maintains ties with Syria and had indeed invited President Bashar al-Assad to the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year.
In a related development, Britain has demanded an explanation from Israel after an airstrike in Gaza that left seven aid workers dead, including a British national.
British Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, called for a “full, transparent explanation” from Israel, saying: “The news of the air strike that killed World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers in Gaza is deeply distressing.
“British nationals are reported to have been killed; we are urgently working to verify this information and will provide full support to their families.
“These were people who were working to deliver life-saving aid to those who desperately need it. It is essential that humanitarian workers are protected and able to carry out their work.
“We have called on Israel to immediately investigate and provide a full, transparent explanation of what happened.”
Similarly, Poland demanded an explanation from Israel, especially concerning the death of a Polish national in the air strike in the centre of the Gaza Strip.
A Foreign Ministry spokesman said in Warsaw, the capital city:“We have requested an explanation from the Israeli Embassy, the security forces and the Israeli military,” adding tat the ministry was currently relying on information from the World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid organisation and the media.
“We know that the attack took place in the northern central part of the Gaza Strip and that a Polish national was among the people who died,” he said, even as he expressed the ministry’s condolences to the victim’s relatives.
Wojciech Bakun, mayor of Przemyśl, the home city of the dead Polish man, said: “There are no words to describe the feelings of people who knew this amazing young man right now.
“May he rest in peace,” he posted in English on Facebook.
Many Ukrainian refugees have passed through Przemyśl, which lies close to the Ukrainian border, assisted by WCK.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have promised to conduct a thorough investigation “at the highest levels” into the deaths of the seven WCK aid workers.
The IDF spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, who made the pledged, said: “We are a professional military committed to international law. We are committed to examining our
operations thoroughly and transparently.
In a video message in English posted on X, Hagari added: “We will get to the bottom of this and we will share our findings transparently.”
He said efforts would be made to prevent a recurrence and that he had spoken personally to WCK head, José Andrés, to express his condolences.
While paying tribute to WCK, Hagari recalled that it was one of the first organisations to assist Israel following the October 7 attacks mounted from the Gaza Strip, adding: “The work of WCK is critical. They fulfil a vital mission of bringing food to people in need.”
