The household of a British assist employee killed in Gaza in April has urged the Government to launch an impartial authorized investigation into his dying.
James Kirby was one of many three British residents killed in Israeli drone strikes On an assist convoy run by the World Central Kitchen (WCK) charity.
Ahead of a memorial service for Mr Kirby at Bristol Cathedral on Wednesday, the household additionally criticised the Government for not contacting them since his dying.
He additionally expressed shock that he had not obtained any contact or condolences from the Israeli ambassador to Britain or any Israeli official because the assault.
Speaking on behalf of the household, James' cousin Louise Kirby mentioned: “There must be a proper, independent investigation into this attack on innocent aid workers, and if appropriate the evidence should be assessed in the relevant court.”
“However, unfortunately, the families have received no contact from the UK Government since the deaths of James and his colleagues, nor have we received any information about whether a credible, independent investigation is taking place; or about the outcomes of any investigation if one has taken place.”
He added: “I sincerely hope that the Prime Minister will take our concerns seriously and launch a proper, independent and legal investigation – not only so that we can have transparency and accountability, but also so that other British citizens and their families can know that if a foreign state unlawfully murders their loved ones, his government will take action for them.”
Former soldier James Kirby, 47, was considered one of seven folks killed in an airstrike on an assist convoy operated by WCK on 1 April.
Two different British residents – John Chapman, 57, and James Henderson, 33 – have been additionally killed. They have been defending a convoy carrying meals provides to a warehouse in Gaza.
The IDF has mentioned {that a} drone operator mistakenly focused the convoy as a result of he thought it had been captured by Hamas gunmen.
Three missiles have been fired at three locations in 5 minutes. The first missile hit a automobile and a few passengers bumped into one other automobile. That was then hit by a second missile. Some survivors tried to flee within the third automobile, which was additionally hit. Everyone within the convoy was killed.
Following an inside investigation, the IDF dismissed two officers and formally reprimanded two senior commanders.
Evidence from the investigation was handed over to the Military Advocate General – the Israeli navy's high authorized official – to find out whether or not any felony acts had been dedicated.
After the assault, then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak referred to as for a “thorough and transparent independent investigation” into what had occurred.
In the assertion, Louise Kirby thanked buddies and supporters, together with WCK, for his or her assist. She mentioned the household was “overwhelmed” to obtain private messages of condolence from the King and Queen and former Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron.
But he mentioned the “murder” of James and his fellow assist employees was a “diabolical tragedy” and the household was “still struggling to find answers and accountability for what happened”.
He mentioned that since Israel had mentioned the assault was an accident, the household was stunned that there was no contact or message of condolence from the Israeli ambassador to Britain or any Israeli official.
“After the death of a loved one, the family needs solace. We need to understand how this tragedy occurred,” he mentioned.
“But this is not just about us. It is about how the UK looks after its citizens and their families when a British citizen is unlawfully killed by another state.”
Ms Kirby added: “We appreciate the compassion and respect we have been shown, but we must also have transparency and accountability. How did this happen? Who is responsible? What accountability do they face?
“Just saying, 'Sorry, it was an accident,' is not enough. We need to know, and we need to know that there is accountability at all levels so this doesn't happen again.”
A Government spokesperson said bereaved families were being supported by police liaison support officers, who were in “regular contact” with the Foreign Office.
“The deaths of James and his fellow aid workers were horrific and our thoughts are with their families,” the spokesperson said.
“Attacks on aid workers are never justified and we are fully committed to their safety as they help the world’s most vulnerable people.”
“There must be an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians and aid workers, secure the release of all hostages and ensure that more aid can reach Gaza. Israel must guarantee the safety of aid workers and ensure that a tragedy like this never happens again.”
The spokesperson didn’t touch upon the households' demand for an impartial investigation.
The Israeli Embassy in London was contacted for remark.
Israel launched its navy operation in Gaza on October 7 in response to Hamas' unprecedented assault on southern Israel, which left practically 1,200 folks useless and 251 taken hostage.
Since then, greater than 40,000 folks have been killed in Gaza, in response to Gaza's Hamas-run well being ministry.
With inputs from BBC
