IDF Officer Says Aid Workers Were Lawful Targets Under Doctrine of Guilt by Association

A Guardian investigation found seven World Central Kitchen aid workers killed in April 2024 Gaza drone strikes were marked as targets under an IDF practice called 'haflala' — letting commanders classify civilians as terrorists based on proximity to alleged militants. The officer who ordered the strikes, Nochi Mendel, said the convoy had 'mixed together' with armed men. Asked if that made the entire convoy a target, he replied 'Certainly.' Israel declined to press charges.