Israeli colonel says he does not regret ordering strike that killed 7 WCK aid workers in Gaza
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Israeli Colonel Nochi Mendel said he does not regret ordering the strike that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza. The interview, conducted in October 2025 and aired by ABC News on August 28, 2026, was his first public statement since being dismissed over the April 2024 attack. WCK rejected his claim that an armed person had entered one of the convoy vehicles and renewed its call for a full independent investigation.
Key Facts
- Colonel Nochi Mendel was dismissed from his post after the April 2024 strike that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza.
- In an interview with ABC News recorded in October 2025 and aired on August 28, 2026, Mendel said he gave the order for the strike and does not regret it.
- Mendel claimed an armed person had entered one of the convoy vehicles, but WCK rejected the allegation and called for a full independent investigation.
- The Israeli military said after the attack that commanders' decisions did not exceed the limits of criminal law despite acknowledged shortcomings.
The Interview
ABC News aired an interview with Colonel Nochi Mendel on August 28, 2026, recorded in October 2025. Mendel confirmed he ordered the strike on the World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza. He said he did not intend to kill the aid workers and stated, "I am not sorry for what I did." Mendel claimed the decision was based on detecting an armed person entering one of the convoy vehicles.
WCK Response
A World Central Kitchen spokesperson rejected Mendel's allegation, saying the person making the claim has no credibility. WCK renewed its demand for a full and independent investigation into the attack. The organization has consistently called for accountability since the April 2024 strike.
Military Findings
The Israeli military acknowledged shortcomings in the April 2024 attack but said commanders' decisions did not exceed criminal law limits. Mendel was dismissed from his position following the strike. The attack killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers during a humanitarian operation in Gaza.
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Israeli colonel says he does not regret ordering strike that killed 7 WCK aid workers in Gaza
