Poland protests Israel decision to end probe into killing of Polish Gaza aid worker

Poland has demanded answers from Israel after the investigation into the Gaza strike that killed seven World Central Kitchen workers, including Polish citizen Damian Sobol, was closed. The Polish foreign ministry stated it was "very disappointed" and summoned Israel's ambassador in Warsaw following the decision not to pursue criminal proceedings over the 2024 attack on a volunteer convoy.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland is very disappointed to receive the information provided on August 19, 2026, about the discontinuation of the proceedings.

Damian Sobol, a volunteer from Przemysl, Poland, was among the seven World Central Kitchen employees killed in the April 2024 airstrike in central Gaza. This incident sparked international outcry. The Polish ministry's statement conveyed a critical assessment of the actions taken to clarify the causes of the tragedy.

Deputy Foreign Minister Ignacy Niemczycki told public radio that Poland considers the decision "surprising" and believes that the use of force must be proportionate, expecting clarification on the matter. Poland is conducting its own parallel investigation into the incident through the District Prosecutor's Office in Przemysl.

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We consider this a surprising decision.

Australia also summoned Israel's ambassador in Canberra on Thursday after an Australian citizen was among those killed in the same airstrike. The Polish ministry also expressed its expectation that Israel will provide Polish authorities with all necessary explanations and materials requested by Polish investigators.

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We believe that the use of force must be proportionate, and that inappropriate use of force should have consequences, so we expect clarification on this matter.