Poland Protests Israel's Decision to Halt Gaza Attack Investigation

Poland's Foreign Ministry has voiced "profound disappointment" over Israel's decision to cease its criminal investigation into the 2024 Gaza airstrike that killed Polish volunteer Damian Sobol. The ministry summoned Israel's ambassador to Warsaw to convey its dissatisfaction with the outcome.

Sobol, from Przemyśl in southeastern Poland, was one of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers killed when their convoy was hit by an airstrike in central Gaza. The incident sparked widespread international condemnation of Israel's actions. Poland's Foreign Ministry stated on August 20th that it received notification of Israel's termination of the investigation proceedings the previous day and found it deeply disappointing.

Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister, Ignacy Niemczycki, described the decision as "surprising" in an interview with Public Radio PR1 on August 21st. He emphasized that the use of force must be proportionate and that improper use should have consequences, stating, "we expect Israel to provide explanations on this matter." The Polish Foreign Ministry also informed Israel that the prosecutor's office in the Przemyśl region is conducting its own parallel investigation into the incident.

Notably, an Australian citizen was also among the World Central Kitchen staff killed in the 2024 attack. Following Israel's decision to halt its criminal probe, Australia also summoned its ambassador to Israel in Canberra on August 20th. The incident continues to draw scrutiny regarding accountability and the conduct of military operations in Gaza.