Poland Says Israeli Non-Cooperation Hinders Gaza Aid Worker Inquiry
WARSAW – Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski said on Wednesday that Israeli authorities are blocking Poland’s investigation into the death of aid worker Damian Sobol. The case has strained diplomatic ties between Warsaw and Tel Aviv.
Investigation Stalled
Speaking to Radio Zet, Bartoszewski explained, “The inquiry has not moved forward due to lack of support from Israel. Other countries have faced similar obstacles.” He added, “We cannot determine more than we already know.”
Background of the Incident
Sobol was one of seven aid workers killed on April 1, 2024, when Israeli forces struck a World Central Kitchen convoy delivering food in central Gaza. The victims included citizens of the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, the United States, and a Palestinian driver.
Israel apologized publicly and called the strike a “grave mistake” caused by misidentifying the convoy. The military dismissed or reprimanded several officers. Humanitarian groups and governments said Israel’s internal review did not meet international standards.
Polish and International Response
In April 2024, Poland’s District Prosecutor in Sobol’s hometown of Przemysl opened a criminal investigation to check for war crimes or humanitarian law violations. Bartoszewski noted that progress now requires cooperation from Israel and the United States.
Poland also hired an independent international panel to examine the events, but it has not published its findings, citing diplomatic confidentiality. The United States conducted a separate review. Former President Joe Biden described the attack as “outrageous,” while WCK founder Jose Andres said the aid workers were “targeted systematically.”
Diplomatic Implications
The incident has complicated relations between Poland’s Civic Coalition government and Israel. EU officials have called for stricter scrutiny of civilian casualties in Gaza. No joint investigative framework exists, and Polish prosecutors say they cannot continue without access to Israeli evidence and military data.
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