Zomi Frankcom deserved more, slain aid worker’s family says, after Israel rejects criminal investigation

Zomi Frankcom and six other colleagues were on a humanitarian mission in a convoy clearly marked with their purpose. They were traveling to distribute food to starving Palestinians, a route that had been communicated to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) beforehand. Despite these precautions, Israel deliberately bombed their convoy multiple times. The Israeli prime minister later claimed this was a "mistake," and within days, two commanders were forced to retire, and three others were disciplined.

However, the IDF announced recently that there would be no further investigation into the incident because there could be no suspicion of any crime having been committed – it was just a mistake. This statement misunderstands the law of war, as even mistakes can have fatal consequences if they result from gross negligence, reckless, or irresponsible conduct.

Under the statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), intentionally launching an attack with knowledge that it will cause loss of life to civilians or directing attacks against humanitarian personnel and vehicles are considered serious war crimes.

The IDF's decision not to investigate Zomi's killing as a mere "mistake" is not a valid reason. Furthermore, the Israeli government's refusal to apologise for her death is despicable.