Australia ‘outraged’ as Israel clears soldiers over killing of aid worker in Gaza
Australia’s foreign minister has said she is “outraged” over Israel’s decision not to pursue criminal proceedings against those involved in the 2024 Gaza strike that killed aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six other World Central Kitchen employees.
Penny Wong, who met Israel’s ambassador to Australia for talks on Thursday, said: “The Australian government learned of Israel’s decision late last night, moments before it was announced, on World Humanitarian Day – which is especially insulting to Zomi’s loved ones, humanitarians and all Australians.
“Zomi represented the best of Australia. Her courage deserves to be celebrated. Her family deserves justice.”
The Australian foreign minister said the move “falls far short of the accountability we expect”.
“This is despite Israel Defence Forces admissions that the IDF strikes on Zomi and her colleagues’ vehicles were the result of serious failures to follow IDF procedures, mistaken identification and errors in decision-making.”
The 43-year-old Australian was among seven workers of World Central Kitchen – a non-profit that provides food relief – killed when their convoy was struck by Israeli forces in Gaza in April 2024.
The other victims included three British nationals, a Palestinian, a Polish national, and a dual US-Canadian citizen.
“Two years on from Zomi Frankcom’s death, the pain of her loss remains with us. People like Zomi are rare,” Ms Wong said on Wednesday.
“I want to make it clear that the Australian government continues to push the Israeli government for full accountability for the deaths of Zomi and her World Central Kitchen colleagues.
“Democracies seek and accept higher standards. The Australian government will not stop pressing Israel for justice for Zomi and her colleagues.”
She also directed Australia’s ambassador to Israel, Neil Hawkins, “to convey our views directly to Israel as the Australian government considers next steps”.
The IDF said its investigation found that soldiers had mistakenly identified people in the convoy as Hamas operatives and believed the vehicles had deviated from an agreed route.
It acknowledged “serious failures” but said the commanders’ actions “did not raise reasonable suspicion of criminal misconduct”.
Two commanders were removed from their posts, while three others were reprimanded.
