Australia ‘outraged’ over Israel decision to close probe into aid worker killings

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed outrage over Israel's decision to forego a criminal investigation into the deaths of Australian aid worker Lalzawmi Zomi Frankcom and her colleagues in Gaza. Wong stated that the Australian Government was summoned by Israel's ambassador Hillel Newman to convey the country's views directly to the Israeli government.

This decision came late last night, just moments before it was announced on World Humanitarian Day, which particularly insults Frankcom's loved ones, humanitarian workers, and all Australians. Frankcom was among seven World Central Kitchen staff members killed in April 2024 when their aid convoy was mistakenly targeted by an Israeli air strike.

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted the military had "unintentionally" killed the volunteers, Israel's military announced on Wednesday that no criminal investigations would be launched into their deaths. Wong emphasized that this decision falls far short of the accountability Australia expects.