Biden doesn't support calls for independent investigation into World Central Kitchen strike

The Biden administration does not support calls for an independent third-party investigation into the Israeli airstrike that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, and the NGO's presidents Jose Andres and Tim Kaine He is objecting to the demands of the U.S. senator (D-Virginia).

White House national security communications adviser John Kirby said Friday that the administration is considering an Israeli investigation into military attacks on WCK workers and is “reserving judgment on whether an independent international investigation is needed.” “There is,” he said.

“I'm going to reserve judgment on whether further investigation is necessary,” he said in a phone call with reporters.

José Andrés, director of the NGO World Central Kitchen, issued a statement Thursday calling on the United States, Australia, Canada, Poland and the United Kingdom to “demand an independent investigation into these attacks. was carried out intentionally or in violation of international law.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strike targeting WCK workers was a regrettable mistake. As a result of an initial investigation conducted by the IDF's oversight agency, the IDF dismissed two officers and reprimanded three others.

But some Democratic lawmakers, who have consistently supported Israel's right to self-defense in its goal of defeating Hamas, have expressed outrage at Israeli attacks on aid workers and raised the need for further sanctions. There is.

Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committee, said: “The United States should join calls for an independent international investigation into Monday's strike against World Central Kitchen volunteers that left an American dead.” .

Kaine added that the United States should refrain from sending offensive weapons to Israel and prioritize defensive weapons.

The killing of seven aid workers brings the death toll to more than 200 humanitarian aid workers in Gaza, and an estimated 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's war against Hamas, including Hamas fighters. It is estimated to be.

“Israel must have the ability to once again defend itself against those who seek to annihilate it, such as Hamas. , and only adds to the suffering in the region,” Cain said.