Aid workers in war are the bravest of the brave

The death of seven aid workers in Gaza is tragic and unforgivable, and clearly a huge mistake on the part of the Israeli air force and targeteers who picked out the convoy of vehicles for bombing. But these extraordinarily brave people who go to war zones to provide humanitarian help know that every day presents a risk to their lives. They are the bravest of the brave, determined to help those in need whatever the dangers. The outcry around the world is understandable because these dedicated people play a unique role in war zones and should be protected. But war is not a clean, clear-cut exercise. Innocent people, men, women and children, as well as aid workers, are killed because they are never far from the bullets and bombs. They are always vulnerable not just to crossfire and bomb explosions meant for others, but also as a result of terrible mistakes made either by commanders away from the battlefield or by operators in the air or on the ground who believe they have spotted a legitimate target for attack. The Israelis are not alone in targeting aid workers in error, or indeed civilians in general during bombing raids. The fog of war is usually blamed, as it seems in this case. In every war innocent people die, brave aid workers included.