The UK, Australia and Canada have criticized Israel's decision not to conduct a criminal investigation into the attack on a World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid convoy in Gaza, calling the move “shameful.” In a joint statement issued earlier this week, the three countries urged Israel to uphold international humanitarian law and said they had repeatedly pressed Tel Aviv to bring those responsible to justice.
“This decision is too little and too late. The victims and their families deserve justice and accountability. We will continue to seek answers on their behalf,” the joint statement said.
Seven WCK aid workers—three Britons, one dual US-Canadian citizen, one Polish national, one Australian, and one Palestinian—were killed in April 2024 while overseeing the delivery of a food shipment to Gaza. The Israeli military called the incident a “tragic mistake” but on August 19 declared it would not open any investigation into the strike.
Poland said it was “deeply disappointed” with Israel's decision and summoned the Israeli ambassador in Warsaw. Australia had also summoned Israel's ambassador in Canberra the previous day.
The joint statement from the UK, Australia and Canada also said that Israel's decision to close the case on World Humanitarian Day, August 19, was “particularly egregious,” as the world honors the courage and sacrifice of humanitarian workers.
WCK, founded by renowned chef José Andrés, called Israel's decision “inconsistent with the facts” on August 19 and demanded an independent investigation into the airstrike. UK Minister for the Middle East Stephen Doughty also affirmed that his government “will continue to press for urgent answers.”
