‘Shameful’: UK, Australia and Canada criticise Israel over Gaza aid convoy killings decision

Britain, Australia and Canada have slammed Israel's decision not to investigate the April 2024 airstrikes that killed seven aid workers, describing it as "shameful". The World Central Kitchen (WCK) organisation, based in the US, lost seven staff members, including two from each country, in the attack. The joint statement by the three nations emphasised the demand for justice and accountability, adding that the strike is just one of many incidents where no accountability has been ensured in Gaza.

Australia's government expressed outrage, while relatives of the killed Australian worker, Zomi Frankcom, called for a more thorough investigation. The Polish government also expressed disappointment, calling for Israeli authorities to cooperate with Polish investigations. The Israeli military stated that they had mistaken the aid workers for Hamas militants and that the WCK convoy had deviated from the coordinated route.

However, they concluded that the commanders' decisions did not raise reasonable suspicion of criminal misconduct. The Israeli military had previously admitted to opening fire on a car carrying five-year-old Hind Rajab and six others, and a criminal investigation was initiated. Despite the Israeli military's obligations under international and domestic law, criminal misconduct investigations into Israeli troops are rare and rarely result in convictions.