UK court could call Israeli military to give evidence around World Central Kitchen attack

An ongoing inquest into the deaths of three British aid workers killed by an Israeli drone strike in Gaza is set to expand its scope to include the Israeli military and the commander responsible for the attack. The victims, John Chapman, James "Jim" Henderson and James Kirby, were among seven individuals killed when a World Central Kitchen (WCK) vehicle was targeted.

The Israeli military has apologized for the incident but declined to pursue criminal proceedings against the soldiers involved. A hearing at the Coroner's Court in Bristol on Monday will determine the extent of the inquest and the evidence to be presented. Alison Hewitt, counsel for the inquest, has requested that the Israeli military and Colonel Nochi Mendel, who ordered the strike, be granted participation in the proceedings.

The families of the victims hope the investigation will uncover whether UK intelligence or military equipment was involved. The Ministry of Defence has refused to release footage from Royal Air Force surveillance planes that flew over Gaza on the day of the attack, despite repeated requests from the families. Neil Henderson, Jim's father, emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation into the attack, including an examination of the factors leading to it and any potential involvement of UK authorities or military equipment.

The government has denied any such evidence exists, but the families remain persistent in their demands for transparency and accountability.