UK, Canada, Australia blast Israel over 'shameful' Gaza aid worker probe

Britain, Canada and Australia condemned Israel’s decision to halt a criminal investigation into the killing of seven aid workers in Gaza, calling the move “shameful” and urging greater accountability. The trio issued a joint statement on Friday, expressing deep concern over the Israeli Defence Forces’ (IDF) announcement that it would not pursue criminal charges related to the April 2024 drone strike that killed the World Central Kitchen staff. The decision came just days before World Humanitarian Day, prompting sharp criticism from the three nations. The victims of the attack included three British nationals, a U.S.-Canadian dual citizen, a Polish national, an Australian and a Palestinian. They were part of a convoy delivering food aid when they were struck by a drone. The incident triggered widespread condemnation globally, with many highlighting the dangers faced by humanitarian workers in the conflict zone. Over two years later, the lack of progress in holding perpetrators accountable has intensified calls for transparency and justice. According to the joint statement, the three countries had repeatedly urged Israel to conduct a swift and thorough inquiry into the attack. They expressed disappointment with the IDF’s decision to close the case, noting that it was made without additional clarification. “This decision is both too little, and too late,” the statement said, emphasizing that the victims’ families deserved justice and that the nations would continue to advocate for clarity. The Israeli military admitted to multiple errors within its command structure following the attack but concluded that there was no “reasonable suspicion of criminal misconduct.” Despite these admissions, the closure of the investigation has drawn fierce backlash from Western allies. The statement also recalled that Gaza remains one of the most dangerous regions for humanitarian work, with 186 aid workers killed in 2025 alone. Stephen Doughty, the British minister for the Middle East, stated that the United Kingdom had already raised the issue with Israeli officials and pledged to keep pushing for answers. This aligns with broader diplomatic efforts by Western governments to pressure Israel to uphold international humanitarian standards during its operations in Gaza. On Wednesday, the Israeli military announced it would proceed with investigating two suspected war crime cases in the Gaza Strip while concluding three other major inquiries, including the 2024 WCK strike. However, the closure of the WCK investigation has left many unanswered questions, particularly regarding the circumstances surrounding the drone strike and whether any individuals should face legal consequences. The decision to end the criminal inquiry has raised concerns among international observers, who argue that such actions undermine efforts to protect humanitarian workers and maintain accountability in armed conflicts. With ongoing tensions in the region, the stance taken by Israel continues to shape the dynamics of international diplomacy and humanitarian response.