Australia condemns Israel's closure of aid worker death probe

Australia has strongly objected to Israel's decision to close its inquiry into the death of an aid worker killed during an Israeli military operation in Gaza earlier this year. The worker was among several World Central Kitchen staff members who died in an airstrike in April 2024, prompting international scrutiny of the incident.

Canberra's response underscores growing tensions between the two nations over accountability for civilian casualties in the conflict. Australian officials have indicated that the closure of the investigation without providing a comprehensive explanation falls short of the standards expected in such cases.

The incident had drawn widespread attention, with humanitarian organisations and governments worldwide calling for thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organisation providing meals in conflict zones, had suspended operations in Gaza following the strike.

Israel's military has previously stated that the strike was conducted during active combat operations. However, the decision to conclude the investigation without public findings has intensified calls from countries including Australia for greater transparency and accountability in military operations affecting aid workers and civilians.