UK, Canada and Australia condemn Israel for refusing criminal probe into aid worker killings in Gaza

What the report says

The UK, Canada and Australia have condemned Israel’s decision not to open a criminal investigation into the 2024 strike on a World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza that killed seven humanitarian workers. In a joint statement reported by the BBC, the three governments called the move shameful and said the victims and their families deserve accountability. The dead included three British nationals, an Australian, a Canadian, a Polish national and a dual US-Canadian citizen.

According to the BBC, the Israeli military said it had found serious failures in the chain of events but concluded the commanders’ actions did not amount to criminal misconduct. Israel’s ambassador to Australia defended the decision, saying there was no criminal intent. Australia’s foreign minister said the government was outraged and continued to press for answers, while Poland also said it was disappointed.

The incident took place on 1 April 2024, when the convoy was hit while delivering food aid in Gaza. The BBC noted that the three countries timed their criticism to coincide with World Humanitarian Day, arguing the decision was especially offensive because aid workers remain at high risk in Gaza. The report also said the WCK attack is one of many incidents in the war where accountability has been disputed, underscoring broader concerns about humanitarian safety and compliance with international law.