The UK, Canada and Australia have condemned Israel’s decision not to launch a criminal investigation into the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) humanitarian workers killed in Gaza in 2024.

The victims included three British nationals, as well as citizens of Poland, Australia, Canada and a dual US-Canadian national. The three governments said the victims and their families deserved justice and accountability.

The joint statement said the Israeli military struck the WCK convoy on 1 April 2024 while it was delivering food to civilians in Gaza. The governments said they had repeatedly urged Israel to conduct a thorough investigation and hold those responsible to account.

Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, defended the decision, saying there had been “no criminal intention” and therefore no criminal responsibility.

The UK, Canada and Australia criticised the timing of Israel’s announcement, noting that it came on World Humanitarian Day, when the world was recognising the work and sacrifices of humanitarian workers.

The three countries also said the WCK attack was part of a wider pattern of incidents in Gaza where they believe accountability has been lacking. They described Gaza as the “deadliest place to deliver aid” and said 186 humanitarian workers were killed there in 2025.