Who were the aid workers, including three Britons, killed in the Israeli air strike?

Here is what is known about the victims. Credit: World Central Kitchen

Seven aid workers were killed in an Israeli air strike while delivering food to besieged Palestinians with the charity World Central Kitchen.

Three British nationals, an Australian, a Polish national, an American-Canadian dual citizen and a Palestinian died after the convoy was hit as it was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse in Gaza on Monday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the aid workers were killed by an "unintended strike" by Israeli forces.

During a phone call with Mr Netanyahu, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was appalled by the killings and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation.

Here is what is known about the victims:

John Chapman

The 57-year-old from the UK was named among the victims by World Central Kitchen.

They said he was among the charity’s security team.

British victims James 'Jim' Henderson (left), 33, John Chapman (centre), 57, and James Kirby (right), 47. Credit: World Central Kitchen

The Times reports Mr Chapman was a former Royal Marine and father-of-two from Dorset.

According to The Sun, he also served in the Special Boat Service, the special forces unit of the Royal Navy.

James Henderson

James “Jim” Henderson, 33, was from the UK and formed part of the relief team’s security detail, the World Central Kitchen said.

According to his LinkedIn page, he was a former roofer from Cornwall who served for six years in the Royal Marines.

He described himself as a “highly disciplined, courteous and proactive individual” who “takes the health and safety of others very seriously”.

“A highly disciplined, courteous and proactive individual who is mobile, offers flexibility and is willing to take on any further training necessary to offer the best service possible,” the page reads.

He left the military in 2016 to pursue security jobs such as the one in Gaza. He wrote that his “true vocation lies in security” in a “civilian position”.

He was due to leave Gaza on Monday, the Times reported.

Speaking to ITV West Country, his childhood friend Aaron Cockrill said: "I don't think it's sunk in yet that my friend's not coming home. He was my mate - still is my mate.

"I know he's gone, but he's still my mate. I grew up with him... Being around Jim, you felt that nothing could go wrong. He always had complete control over everything.

"He was tough, and I don't just mean a little bit tough. That bloke walked into war zones without being phased. He could walk anywhere and do anything, and nothing phased him. He was brilliant."

James Kirby

The third British national among the victims, the 47-year-old also worked in the charity’s security team and was a military veteran.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr Kirby was a former sniper marksman and rifleman in the Army.

The page reads: “An experienced, SIA-licensed (Security Industry Authority) Close Protection Officer with a background in executive protection, hostile and covert surveillance, security management and maritime security.

Mr Kirby's friend, Mark Townsend, described him as "always an incredibly kind bloke" who would "never let anybody suffer" in an interview with Good Morning Britain

“Former member of the British Armed Forces, fully qualified in all aspects of close protection, with experience working with high-net-worth individuals, business leaders and their families and staff, globally.

“Willing and able to work on international assignments, and free to travel as required.”

In a statement to ITV News West Country, Mr Kirby's family paid tribute to him on Wednesday. They said: "As a family, we are utterly heartbroken by the loss of our beloved James."

"Alongside the other six individuals who tragically lost their lives, he will be remembered as a hero. James understood the dangers of venturing into Gaza, drawing from his experiences in the British Armed Forces, where he bravely served tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan.

"Despite the risks, his compassionate nature drove him to offer assistance to those in dire need. A genuine gentleman, James was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone, even in the face of senseless violence.

"We kindly request privacy during this incredibly difficult time as we mourn the loss of our dear James."

Saifeddin Issam Abu Taha

Saif Issam Abu Taha, 27, was identified by relatives and hospital workers as the Palestinian aid worker who was killed.

His brother Ahmed Abu Taha said he had worked for World Central Kitchen as a driver since the start of the year.

Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom

The 43-year-old had worked for Washington-based World Central Kitchen for the last five years, which took her to the US, Thailand and her native Australia.

She was born in Melbourne and earned a degree from the Swinburne University of Technology.

She worked for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia for eight years.


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Ms Frankcom’s social media highlighted visits to help those in need in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Romania and Haiti.

In a statement, Ms Frankcom’s family described her as an “outstanding human being” who was “killed doing the work she loves delivering food to the people of Gaza”.

Damian Sobol

The 36-year-old was from the south-eastern Polish city of Przemysl where he was studying hospitality.

Mr Sobol had been on aid missions in Ukraine, Morocco, Turkey and, for the past six months, Gaza.

Jacob Flickinger

A dual US-Canadian national, the 33-year-old was a member of the relief team, according to World Central Kitchen.


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