News / James Kirby
Demands for an independent inquiry into Gaza aid worker’s death
“There must be a proper independent, inquiry into this attack on innocent aid workers, and for the evidence to be assessed, if appropriate in a relevant court of law” demands Louise Kirby, James Kirby’s cousin.
“The murder of James, and his fellow aid workers, for whom clearance had been given for their humanitarian work, is a diabolical tragedy.”
The statement comes as friends and family gathered on Wednesday at Bristol Cathedral to pay tribute in a memorial service for the 47-year-old former soldier, better known as Kirbs.
is needed now More than ever
James was working for World Central Kitchen (WCK) in Gaza on April 1, when the convoy he was in was hit by Israeli fire, killing seven people, including three other British citizens.
The Israel Defence Federation (IDF) explained that the incident was unintentional, and was caused by a drone operator mistakenly targeting the convoy after thinking it had been taken over by Hamas gunmen.
“None of us have met anyone like Kirby before”, one person said in a tribute, as friends and family spoke affectionately on James’ impact on their lives – Photo: Hannah Massoudi
Reflecting on the responses to the tragedy Louise Kirby said: “We appreciate the compassion and respect we have been shown”, with crowds turning out for his funeral on May 15 and for a solidarity rally, organised by the Bristol Branch of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, held at the Cascade Steps on April 5, but “we must also have transparency and accountability.”
Elaborating further in a family statement released on the day of the memorial they said, while they received “touching” personal letter of condolence from the king and queen, and from former foreign secretary David Cameron, they were “surprised” to not have received condolences from Israel’s ambassador to the UK in London, nor from any Israeli official.
Unhappy with the lack of clarity surrounding his death, they continue, “Any family of a loved one who has been killed needs closure. We need to understand how this disaster could have happened.”
A sense of relief and calm was in the air as people said their goodbyes – Photo: Hannah Massoudi
“But this is not just about us. This is about how Britain looks after its own citizens and their families, when a British citizen has been unlawfully killed by another state”.
Main photo: family handout
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