Israel’s military has determined that the airstrike in Gaza that killed a Canadian and six other aid workers in April 2024 was not a criminal act. The military prosecutor announced that there would be no criminal investigation into the incident involving a convoy of World Central Kitchen vehicles. The victims included Jacob Flickinger, a military veteran from Quebec, a Palestinian, and aid workers from the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand condemned the decision, stating that the lack of accountability for the incident was unacceptable. She emphasized the need to protect humanitarian workers in conflict zones and called for justice for the victims and their families.
World Central Kitchen, which provides food aid in Gaza, collaborated with the military on the convoy’s movements. Despite the vehicles displaying the organization’s logo, they were destroyed in the airstrike.
The military explained that the individuals in the vehicles were mistakenly identified as armed Hamas operatives, leading to the tragic outcome. While two officers were relieved of their duties and three others were reprimanded, the military found no evidence of criminal misconduct.
In response, World Central Kitchen disputed the military’s version of events, asserting the need for an independent investigation to uncover the truth.
The decision sparked outrage in Australia, where the foreign minister summoned the Israeli ambassador. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong criticized the lack of accountability for the death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, citing serious failures and errors in decision-making by the Israel Defense Forces.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau previously called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident, expressing concern over collateral damage in conflict zones. He emphasized the importance of holding those responsible for the deaths accountable.
The Israeli military also announced its decision not to pursue criminal action in the cases of four Doctors Without Borders staff members who were killed in separate incidents in 2023 and 2024.
The findings have led to calls for further action and accountability from various groups and officials, highlighting the need for justice and transparency in such tragic circumstances.
