Israel’s military has determined that its actions resulting in the death of a Canadian and six other aid workers in Gaza were not criminal. The decision has caused outrage in Australia, leading to the summoning of the Israeli ambassador by the foreign minister. However, Canada has not yet responded to the report released on Wednesday.
In April 2024, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza targeted a convoy of World Central Kitchen vehicles, killing Jacob Flickinger, a military veteran from Quebec, along with a Palestinian and aid workers from the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. The aid group, known for distributing food in Gaza, had coordinated with the military regarding the convoy’s movements. Despite the vehicles displaying the group’s logo, they were destroyed in the attack.
Israel’s military prosecutor stated that the individuals in the vehicles were mistakenly identified as armed Hamas operatives. The military decided against a criminal investigation, citing lack of reasonable suspicion of criminal misconduct, although two officers were removed from their positions and three others were reprimanded as a result.
World Central Kitchen disputed the military’s account, calling for an independent investigation and stating that the military’s report was misleading and shifted blame.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong criticized the Israeli Defense Forces for their handling of the incident, stating that the removals and reprimands of officers were insufficient accountability for the death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom. Wong expressed particular dismay over the timing of the decision, which coincided with World Humanitarian Day.
In response to the findings, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called for a thorough and independent investigation beyond the Israeli military’s internal review. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, rejecting the notion that collateral deaths are acceptable in war, especially involving humanitarian workers risking their lives.
There has been no official response from the Canadian government, prompting concerns from advocacy groups like Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East about potential impunity for the death of a Canadian aid worker.