GAZA — The Israeli military announced it will not pursue criminal investigations into the April 2024 airstrikes that killed seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen. The decision concludes an internal review of the incident that drew widespread international condemnation and calls for accountability from allied governments.

Seven humanitarian workers from the US-based organization World Central Kitchen were killed in airstrikes in Gaza in April 2024. The victims included Zomi Frankcom, an Australian citizen; John Chapman, James Henderson, and James Kirby, three British citizens; and Damian Soból, a volunteer from Przemyśl, Poland.

World Central Kitchen stated that it had coordinated the movement of its vehicles with the Israeli military and that the vehicles displayed the group's logo on their roofs. The Israeli military stated it mistook individuals in the World Central Kitchen vehicles for armed Hamas operatives and claimed the convoy deviated from the coordinated route.

The United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada issued a joint statement criticizing the Israeli military's decision not to open a criminal investigation as "shameful". The Australian government expressed outrage over the Israeli military's decision not to open a criminal investigation.

This decision is both too little, and too late. The victims of this incident and their families deserve justice and accountability, and we will continue to seek answers on their behalf. The World Central Kitchen attack is one of countless incidents in Gaza where there has been no accountability," the joint statement said."

World Central Kitchen said there has never been any excuse or justification for the attacks, and there is nothing in this account that does so. The decision is inconsistent with the full truth and deeply offensive.

The UK Foreign Office stated it was appalled and angry on behalf of the families of the three British citizens killed in the attack. The Polish government stated it was very disappointed by the Israeli military's decision and called for cooperation with Polish investigations into the incident.

Experts stated that criminal misconduct investigations into Israeli troops over the killing of Palestinians very rarely lead to convictions. The Israeli military stated it examines exceptional incidents that occurred during combat as part of its obligations under international and Israeli domestic law.

Why It Matters

The refusal to launch a criminal probe into the deaths of aid workers shows ongoing tensions regarding accountability for civilian casualties in Gaza. Experts declared a famine in Gaza in August 2025, reflecting the critical role of humanitarian operations in the region.

This decision aligns with a broader pattern where military investigations have not resulted in criminal charges despite external pressure. The outcome affects diplomatic relations with key allies and prompts scrutiny of the operational security protocols for aid convoys in conflict zones.

What's New

The Israeli military concluded that the decisions of its commanders during the April 2024 airstrikes did not raise reasonable suspicion of criminal misconduct, despite international criticism and calls for accountability. Doctors Without Borders criticized the Israeli military's decision not to open a criminal investigation into two strikes that killed four of its staff members.

Doctors Without Borders stated that the Israeli military's refusal to investigate shows the country will not take responsibility for attacking civilians and called for an impartial investigation. Research titled "Revitalizing the Israeli Military Doctrine" was published in 2019 in Offense and Defense in Israeli Military Doctrine.

The Israeli military admitted to opening fire on a car carrying five-year-old Hind Rajab and six family members in Gaza in 2024, but later denied being in the area near the incident. Hind Rajab is Palestinian child killed by Israeli military forces.

How Sources Differ

Sources differ on the scope of recent criminal investigations ordered by the Israeli military. The Israel Defense Forces statement reported that the Israeli military ordered a criminal investigation into the fatal shooting of 15 paramedics in 2025.