Israel has determined that its military did not engage in criminal behavior when it caused the deaths of a Canadian citizen and six other aid workers in Gaza two years ago. This decision has sparked anger in Australia, where the foreign minister summoned the Israeli ambassador. However, Canada has not yet responded to the report released on Wednesday.
The Israeli military prosecutor announced that there would be no criminal investigation into the April 2024 airstrikes in Gaza that targeted a convoy of World Central Kitchen vehicles. The airstrikes resulted in the death of Jacob Flickinger, a military veteran from Quebec, as well as a Palestinian and aid workers from the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States.
The aid organization, which provides food aid in Gaza, stated that it had coordinated with the military regarding the convoy’s movements. Despite the vehicles displaying the organization’s logo on their roofs, which was visible from the air, they were left destroyed by the airstrikes.
The military’s statement on Wednesday indicated that individuals in the vehicles were mistakenly identified as armed Hamas operatives. Nevertheless, it concluded that the decisions made by the commanders did not warrant suspicion of criminal misconduct. Following the incident, two officers were removed from their positions, and three others were reprimanded.
In response, World Central Kitchen disputed the military’s version of events, accusing it of distorting the facts and shifting blame. The organization called for an impartial investigation into the matter.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed dissatisfaction with the removal and reprimand of officers, deeming it insufficient accountability for the death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom. She criticized the Israeli Defense Forces for failing to follow procedures and making errors in decision-making that led to the tragic incident.
Wong highlighted the timing of the decision, describing it as “especially insulting” as it coincided with World Humanitarian Day. Meanwhile, neither the Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister nor the United Kingdom’s foreign secretary has issued a formal response to the case.
Despite the announcement by the Israeli military, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously called for an independent investigation into the deaths of the World Central Kitchen workers in 2024. He vehemently rejected the notion that collateral damage is acceptable in conflicts, emphasizing the importance of protecting aid workers delivering essential services in dangerous environments.
In light of the findings, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East expressed concern over Prime Minister Mark Carney’s silence, suggesting that it could allow Israel to evade accountability for the death of a Canadian aid worker without facing consequences.
