Australia 'outraged' after Israeli decision not to prosecute over killing of aid worker in Gaza

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed outrage over Israel's decision not to investigate the killing of aid worker Zomi Frankcom in Gaza. Frankcom, an Australian with World Central Kitchen, was among seven people killed in an Israeli air strike in April 2024. The Foreign Minister summoned the Israeli ambassador after meeting him, criticizing the decision as falling short of the accountability expected.

The Israeli Defense Forces defended their actions, stating there was no criminal intention and no criminal responsibility. They claimed the armed guard in the convoy was falsely identified as a Hamas fighter and the convoy had deviated from the coordinated route. However, the Frankcom family remains deeply disappointed, vowing to continue calling for an independent investigation.

The attack also claimed the lives of three British nationals, a Palestinian, a Polish national, and a dual US-Canadian citizen. The UK has yet to comment on the Israeli decision. Other victims included three British nationals, a Palestinian, a Polish national, and a dual US-Canadian citizen. The Australian government has raised numerous "unanswered questions," including the timing of subsequent strikes and the removal of officers following an initial probe.

The IDF also failed to find grounds for criminal investigation into the killing of four Médecins Sans Frontières employees in two separate attacks in 2023 and 2024. Wong emphasized the decision's lack of accountability, stating Australia would continue pressing Israel for justice. The Israeli government's decision contrasts with its announcement to investigate the killing of a five-year-old Palestinian girl and her relatives, as well as the deaths of 15 Palestinians, including medics and a UN worker.