Relatives of three British aid workers killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza have paid tribute to their selflessness and bravery. John Chapman, 57, James Kirby, 47, and James Henderson, 33, were among seven World Central Kitchen staff killed on Monday while travelling in a humanitarian convoy.
Chapman’s family described his death as “an inhumane act”. They said: “He died trying to help people … He was an incredible father, husband, son and brother. He will for ever be a hero.” The former special forces member lived in Poole, Dorset, and worked for the charity’s security team.
Kirby’s family called him a “genuine gentleman” who lost his life trying to help others. His cousin Adam McGuire expressed disappointment at Israel’s response, saying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not apologise. “His response was along the lines of: ‘This is war, this is what happens.’ It shouldn’t happen, not nowadays,” McGuire said.
Henderson, from Penryn, Cornwall, served six years in the Royal Marines before working in private security. Solace Global, the Dorset-based security firm that employed the three men, described them as “extremely experienced, very professional and thoroughly excellent operators”.
The other victims included Australian Zomi Frankcom, American-Canadian Jacob Flickinger, Polish national Damian Sobol, and Palestinian Saif Issam Abu Taha. Frankcom’s family said she left a legacy of compassion, bravery and love, and was “killed doing the work she loves, delivering food to the people of Gaza”.
