Israel’s military has determined that its actions resulting in the deaths of a Canadian and six other aid workers in Gaza in April 2024 did not constitute a criminal offense. The decision to forego a criminal investigation into the airstrikes that targeted a convoy of World Central Kitchen vehicles was announced by Israel’s military prosecutor.
Among those killed in the strikes were Jacob Flickinger, a military veteran from Quebec, along with individuals from Palestine, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, citing serious shortcomings in the strike’s execution and emphasizing the need to protect humanitarian workers in conflict zones.
World Central Kitchen, the organization distributing food in Gaza, stated that they had coordinated with the military regarding the convoy’s movements. The vehicles, marked with the organization’s logo, were severely damaged in the attack.
The military stated that the individuals in the vehicles were mistakenly identified as armed Hamas operatives, leading to the fatal airstrikes. While two officers were removed from their positions and three others reprimanded, the commanders’ decisions were deemed not to indicate criminal misconduct.
The decision sparked criticism in Australia, where the Foreign Minister summoned the Israeli ambassador, expressing disappointment in the lack of accountability for the death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom. The announcement coinciding with World Humanitarian Day was particularly condemned by Australian officials.
Israel also announced the decision not to pursue criminal action in the deaths of four Doctors Without Borders staff in separate incidents. Following the incident in 2024, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called for an independent investigation, rejecting the notion that collateral deaths are acceptable during wartime.
Prior to the official statement from Anand, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East raised concerns over Prime Minister Mark Carney’s silence on the matter, suggesting that it could allow Israel to evade responsibility for the death of a Canadian aid worker.