Relatives of three British aid workers killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza have described them as heroes, saying they died trying to help others. John Chapman, 57, James Kirby, 47, and James Henderson, 33, were among seven World Central Kitchen staff killed on Monday when their convoy was attacked by the Israel Defense Forces.
Chapman's family said in a statement: 'We are devastated to have lost John, who was killed in Gaza. He died trying to help people and was subject to an inhumane act. He was an incredible father, husband, son and brother.' The former special forces member lived in Poole, Dorset, and worked for the charity's security team alongside Kirby and Henderson, all employed by Dorset-based security firm Solace Global.
Kirby's family described him as a 'genuine gentleman' who lost his life trying to save others. In a statement, they said: 'James understood the dangers of venturing into Gaza, drawing from his experiences in the British Armed Forces, where he bravely served tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan. Despite the risks, his compassionate nature drove him to offer assistance to those in dire need.' His cousin, Adam McGuire, expressed disappointment at Israel's response, saying Benjamin Netanyahu did not apologise and that the family hoped the incident would be a turning point for a ceasefire.
Henderson, from Penryn, Cornwall, served in the Royal Marines for six years before moving into private security. Solace Global's director, Matthew Harding, called the three men 'extremely experienced, very professional and thoroughly excellent operators'.
Tributes were also paid to the other victims: Australian Zomi Frankcom, American-Canadian Jacob Flickinger, Polish national Damian Sobol, and Palestinian Saif Issam Abu Taha. Frankcom's family said she left behind a legacy of compassion, bravery and love, and was 'killed doing the work she loves, delivering food to the people of Gaza'.
