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

A three-car World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza was struck by an Israeli drone last April, resulting in the deaths of three British aid workers. The Israeli military has apologized for the tragedy but has ruled out bringing criminal charges against the soldiers involved. An inquest into the deaths of John Chapman, James "Jim" Henderson, and James Kirby, who were all from the south west of England, is set to expand its focus to include the Israeli military and the commander who authorized the attack.

Senior coroner Maria Voisin has granted interested person status to the Israeli military and Col Nochi Mendel, who ordered the strike, allowing them to participate in the proceedings and present evidence. The families of the fallen aid workers hope the inquiry will determine if UK intelligence or military equipment was involved in the attack.

Neil Henderson, Jim's father, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation exploring all relevant factors, including the decisions and policies leading up to the strike and any potential role UK authorities or military equipment may have played. Despite Israel's denial of any evidence of UK involvement, the government has faced mounting pressure to release the drone footage and provide a resumption date for the inquest.

UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband described the attack as "cold-blooded killing," and the UK has called for Israel to swiftly and thoroughly investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.