UK, Canada, and Australia Condemn Israel’s Refusal to Probe Gaza Aid Worker Deaths

POLICY WIRE — London, UK — The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have issued a joint condemnation of Israel’s refusal to conduct a criminal investigation into the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers killed in an Israeli strike on their convoy in Gaza in 2024.

The incident occurred when the aid workers were traveling in a clearly marked WCK convoy, which was struck by Israeli forces. The workers, who were from various nationalities, were providing humanitarian aid in the region.

“We express our profound grief and outrage over the tragic deaths of these aid workers who were dedicated to providing essential support in a conflict zone,” stated a joint communique from the foreign ministries of the UK, Canada, and Australia. “Israel’s refusal to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation is deeply concerning and undermines the principles of accountability and justice.”

The Israeli government has faced international pressure to explain the circumstances surrounding the strike. However, it has maintained that the incident was a mistake and has declined to open a criminal investigation, opting instead for an internal military review.

The WCK, founded by renowned chef José Andrés, has been a prominent provider of humanitarian aid in conflict zones around the world. The organization has called for a transparent investigation into the incident to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies.

This condemnation comes amid growing international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where conflicts have led to significant civilian casualties and a dire need for aid. The UK, Canada, and Australia have repeatedly called for adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of aid workers.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)