Royal Marines and Rifles pay tribute to veterans killed in Israeli air strike in Gaza

Members of the Armed Forces have been paying tribute to three British security workers who died when their aid convoy was hit by an Israeli air strike in Gaza.

World Central Kitchen (WCK) confirmed former Royal Marines John Chapman, 57, James 'Jim' Henderson, 33, and Army veteran James Kirby, 47, who were working for the charity's security team, were among seven of its staff killed.

Their convoy was hit as it was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse, where the team had unloaded more than 100 tonnes of humanitarian food aid taken to Gaza on the maritime route, the charity said.

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In a social media post, the Royal Marines magazine Globe & Laurel said: "Saddened to hear two former Royal Marines, John Chapman and James Henderson, were killed as part of the incident involving the aid convoy yesterday.

"Our thoughts are with all families of those affected and we send our condolences to John and James' family and friends. RIP Royals."

And the Rifles posted: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of former Rifleman James Kirby.

"'Kirbs' was an exemplary soldier with a true sense of duty and purpose.

"The regiment's thoughts and prayers are with his family and many friends at this difficult time.

"Details for his funeral will follow in due course. Swift and Bold."

WCK immediately suspended operations in the region after the deaths.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the aid workers were killed by an "unintended strike" by Israeli forces.

WCK's chief executive Erin Gore described the victims as "the heroes of World Central Kitchen".

A Downing Street spokesman said the Prime Minister "was appalled by the killing of aid workers, including three British nationals, in an air strike in Gaza yesterday and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation into what happened".

Foreign Secretary David Cameron said the killings were "completely unacceptable" as he pressed Israel for "major changes" to ensure the safety of aid workers.

US President Joe Biden said he was "outraged and heartbroken" by the deaths and said he had spoken to WCK founder Jose Andres.