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Tensions rise as Poland summons Israeli ambassador over Gaza aid convoy attack

04.04.2024 11:30
Poland has summoned Israeli Ambassador Yacov Livne to discuss Monday's Israeli airstrike on a humanitarian convoy in Gaza, resulting in the tragic loss of seven volunteers, including a Polish national.
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A World Central Kitchen car after the Israeli attack in Gaza.
A World Central Kitchen car after the Israeli attack in Gaza.Photo: PAP/EPA/MOHAMMED SABER

Polish foreign ministry spokesman Paweł Wroński confirmed the meeting for Friday morning.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski spoke by phone with the head of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) humanitarian organization, José Andrés, on Wednesday.

'Families of the victims deserve an apology and compensation': Polish FM

Sikorski extended his condolences, specifically acknowledging Andrés for his "heroic work in such difficult conditions."

"If Israel deliberately attacked the convoy, the families of the victims deserve an apology and compensation," Sikorski tweeted after the talk.

The World Central Kitchen’s three-vehicle convoy was targeted by three separate strikes by Israeli forces on Monday, killing seven humanitarian aid workers: three British nationals, a Polish citizen, an Australian, a dual US-Canada national, and a Palestinian, according to reports.

The attack has drawn international condemnation, with the bodies of the six foreign volunteers being transported to Egypt, marking the beginning of their repatriation process.

'Israel should pay compensation': Polish president

Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Thursday: "I have no doubt that Israel should pay compensation to our citizen's family."

In response to the attack, World Central Kitchen and partner organization Anera have suspended their crucial aid operations in Gaza, impacting the delivery of millions of meals to those affected by conflict and famine.

WCK had been responsible for over 60 percent of nongovernmental aid supply in Gaza.

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Source: IAR, PAP

Click on the audio player above for a report by Radio Poland's Michał Owczarek.