Israel’s military investigation has determined that the 2024 airstrikes in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of a Canadian aid worker and six others, did not constitute a criminal act. The attack targeted a convoy of World Central Kitchen vehicles, resulting in the fatalities of Jacob Flickinger, a Canadian military veteran, as well as aid workers from the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States.

Following the military prosecutor’s decision not to pursue a criminal investigation, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand expressed strong disapproval, labeling the move “unacceptable.” She highlighted serious flaws in the airstrike and emphasized the need for accountability to provide closure to the families affected by the tragedy. Anand stressed the importance of safeguarding humanitarian workers in conflict zones and called for the upholding of international humanitarian law.

World Central Kitchen, an organization involved in food distribution in Gaza, collaborated with the military regarding the convoy’s movements. Despite the vehicles displaying the group’s logo prominently, they were severely damaged in the attack.

The military’s statement indicated 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 following the incident, World Central Kitchen contested the military’s account, calling for an independent investigation.

The decision not to pursue criminal action 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 failures in following military procedures and errors in decision-making.

In response to the incident, then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called for a thorough and transparent investigation beyond the Israeli military’s internal inquiry. Trudeau condemned the notion that collateral damage is acceptable in conflicts and emphasized the need to protect aid workers operating in dangerous environments.