Western nations condemn Israel's decision to close aid worker strike inquiry

The United Kingdom, Australia and Canada have jointly denounced Israel's decision to close its probe into a deadly airstrike on a World Central Kitchen aid convoy in Gaza last year, calling the move "shameful" and raising fresh concerns about military accountability.

The March 2024 strike killed several humanitarian workers from the international aid organization, prompting widespread international condemnation and calls for a comprehensive independent investigation into the incident.

Israel's announcement that it would not pursue further investigation into the matter has intensified diplomatic tensions with Western nations traditionally considered close allies. Officials from the three countries have stressed that the decision undermines principles of accountability and transparency in military operations.

The closure of the inquiry occurs amid broader international scrutiny of civilian casualties in Gaza. Western governments have previously called for independent investigations into military incidents affecting civilians and humanitarian personnel operating in conflict zones.

Israeli officials have not yet provided detailed public justification for terminating the investigation into the World Central Kitchen convoy strike.