Kathmandu— The United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada have issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s decision to close its investigation into the deadly strike on a World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid convoy in Gaza earlier this year. The three nations expressed disappointment that Israel would not pursue criminal accountability for the April 2024 incident, which killed seven humanitarian workers – including citizens from their own countries – while delivering food aid. They have been consistently pressing Israel for over two years to hold those responsible accountable under international humanitarian law and continue to seek answers on behalf of the victims’ families.

Joint Condemnation

The joint statement released Friday by the foreign ministries of the UK, Australia, and Canada labeled Israel's decision as “shameful,” stating it was both insufficient and untimely. The countries emphasized that those affected by the incident deserve justice and accountability. Poland’s foreign ministry also expressed its “very disappointed” reaction to the announcement, summoning Israel’s ambassador in Warsaw in response.

The Deadly Strike

Seven WCK aid workers were killed in April 2024 when their convoy was struck while overseeing a food shipment in central Gaza. The victims included three British nationals, a dual US-Canadian citizen, a Polish national, an Australian, and a Palestinian. The strike sparked widespread international outrage and renewed calls for the protection of humanitarian workers operating in conflict zones.

Israeli Response

The Israeli military initially characterized the strike as a “tragic mistake.” However, on Wednesday, it announced that no criminal investigations would be launched into the attack. This decision followed a review of 150 incidents involving Israeli troop conduct during its ongoing war in Gaza, which also included the killing of five-year-old Palestinian child Hind Rajab.

WCK Demands Independent Investigation

World Central Kitchen, the US-based aid organization founded by chef Jose Andres, has criticized Israel’s decision as “inconsistent with the truth.” The organization is demanding an independent investigation into the airstrikes, arguing that the Israeli army cannot credibly investigate its own actions. UK Minister for the Middle East Stephen Doughty stated his government would continue to push for urgent answers regarding the incident.

The allied nations have indicated they will continue to press Israel for further information and accountability despite the closure of the investigation, highlighting ongoing international concern over the safety of aid workers in Gaza.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.