UK, Australia and Canada blast Israel over Gaza aid deaths

A World Central Kitchen vehicle in Gaza after it was attacked by the IDF in April 2024. Photograph: Ahmed Zakot

Britain, Australia and Canada have condemned Israel’s decision not to launch a criminal investigation into the killing of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza, branding the move “shameful”.

The April 2024 strikes killed humanitarian workers from several countries, including British, Australian and Polish nationals, triggering international outrage and demands for accountability.

Allies accuse Israel of failing the victims

The three governments said the decision was “too little, and too late”, insisting the victims and their families deserved justice. They warned that the case was one of countless incidents in Gaza where accountability had not followed deadly attacks.

Britain’s Foreign Office said it was “appalled and angry” on behalf of the families of John Chapman, James Henderson and James Kirby, the three British victims.

Australia expressed “outrage”, while relatives of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom said she deserved more than an internal process that effectively cleared Israeli soldiers of criminal wrongdoing.

Poland also demanded cooperation with its own investigation into the death of volunteer Damian Soból.

Israel insists commanders made a tragic mistake

The Israeli military said its forces mistakenly identified people in the convoy as armed Hamas operatives and believed the vehicles had deviated from their agreed route.

However, it concluded that commanders’ decisions did not create reasonable suspicion of criminal misconduct. Two officers were removed from their positions and three were reprimanded following the incident.

World Central Kitchen rejected the explanation, saying there was “never any excuse or justification” for the attacks and stressing that the convoy’s movements had been coordinated with Israeli authorities.

Pressure grows over Gaza accountability

The dispute comes as scrutiny intensifies over Israel’s handling of other deadly incidents involving Palestinian civilians and aid workers.

The Israeli military said it had ordered criminal investigations into the deaths of five-year-old Hind Rajab and six family members, as well as 15 paramedics killed in 2025.

But critics argue that criminal investigations into alleged misconduct by Israeli forces rarely result in convictions, raising wider questions over whether existing military accountability mechanisms can deliver justice for victims in Gaza.

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