Poland Criticizes Israel for Dropping Probe Into Polish Volunteer’s Gaza Death
Poland's Response to Israel's Decision
Background of the Incident
WARSAW, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Poland's foreign ministry said it was "very disappointed" and had summoned Israel's ambassador in Warsaw after Israel decided not to pursue criminal proceedings over an attack on a volunteer convoy in Gaza in 2024 in which a Polish citizen was killed.
Damian Sobol, a volunteer from Przemysl in southeastern Poland, was among seven people working for celebrity chef Jose Andres' World Central Kitchen who were killed in the airstrike in central Gaza in April 2024, which caused an international outcry.
Official Statements from Poland
Foreign Ministry's Reaction
"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," the ministry said in a statement late on Thursday.
It said the Israeli Ambassador in Warsaw had been summoned to the ministry.
Poland's Ongoing Investigation
"The Polish side provided a critical assessment of the actions taken to date to clarify the causes and course of the tragedy, informed that a parallel investigation is being conducted by the District Prosecutor's Office in Przemysl," it said.
It also "expressed its expectation that the Israeli side will provide the relevant Polish authorities with all necessary explanations and materials requested by Polish investigators."
Deputy Foreign Minister's Comments
Deputy Foreign Minister Ignacy Niemczycki told public radio PR1 on Friday that "we consider this a surprising decision."
"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," he said.
International Reactions
Australia's Response
Australia also summoned Israel's ambassador in Canberra on Thursday after an Australian citizen was killed in the airstrike.
Context of the Gaza Conflict
Casualties in Gaza
More than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the start of the Gaza war in 2023.
Israel's Military Position
Israel's military says its attacks target Hamas militants. It has said it opens investigations into some attacks involving civilian deaths.
(Reporting by Karol Badohal and Pawel Florkiewicz; Editing by Timothy Heritage)