Tuesday, September 22, 2026 - Families of three British aid workers killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza are demanding answers as a UK inquest begins examining the circumstances of their deaths.
James “Jim” Henderson, James Kirby and John Chapman were among seven World Central Kitchen workers killed when their clearly marked convoy was struck by Israeli drones on April 1, 2024. The families are now seeking evidence about the decisions that led to the strike and whether the killings were unlawful.
The renewed investigation comes after Israel announced that it would not pursue criminal proceedings against the soldiers involved.
Lawyers representing the families are asking the UK coroner to examine Israeli military records and drone footage, while also investigating whether British intelligence or equipment may have played any role.
They have specifically raised questions about an RAF surveillance aircraft that was operating over Gaza on the day of the attack and whether its footage could shed light on what happened.
The families now face a crucial test: whether the UK inquest can obtain the evidence they say is needed to establish exactly why the convoy was targeted.
The senior coroner is considering granting interested-party status to the Israeli military, the Israeli government and Colonel Nochi Mendel, who was identified as the commander involved in ordering the strike.
A further pre-inquest review is expected in March 2027, keeping pressure on both Israeli and British authorities to address the families’ outstanding questions.
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