IDF releases footage of terrorist fighters posing as aid workers in Gaza

A military spokesperson said: "In a targeted airstrike last week, five armed terrorists were eliminated while near a vehicle marked with the emblem of the... World Central Kitchen (WCK), despite having no affiliation with the organisation, and while posing a threat to our troops.

"The terrorists deliberately affixed the emblem and wore yellow vests in an attempt to conceal their activity and avoid being targeted, cynically exploiting the status and trust afforded to aid organisations.

"Representatives from Cogat's Gaza District Coordination and Liaison Office verified the information with the WCK organisation, which confirmed that the vehicle seen in the Gaza Strip bearing the organisation’s emblem had no connection to its operations.

"In recent days, the vehicle was identified in the Deir al-Balah area, with several armed terrorists nearby that posed a threat to the troops located in the area. In response, an Israeli Air Force aircraft eliminated the terrorists.

"Hamas and other terrorist organisations exploit the humanitarian effort to advance terrorist objectives at the expense of the welfare of the population in Gaza."

A WCK spokesperson added: “WCK was contacted by Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (Cogat), and confirmed the vehicle and persons of interest were not affiliated with WCK.

"We strongly condemn anyone posing as WCK or other humanitarians, as this endangers civilians and aid workers. The safety and security of our teams are our top priority.”

Israel has long maintained that members of Hamas and other terror groups have attempted to disguise themselves as humanitarian workers in order to commit attacks with impunity and manufacture international outrage if they are targeted.