Foreign Minister Penny Wong has summoned Israel's ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, following the decision not to pursue criminal charges over the drone strike that killed Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom in Gaza in April 2024.
Wong stated that Israel's decision, announced on World Humanitarian Day, fails to meet the standards expected of a democratic nation and falls short of the accountability required for the death of Frankcom and six other World Central Kitchen workers. The convoy was travelling in clearly marked vehicles when it was targeted.
"Zomi represented the best of Australia. Her courage deserves to be celebrated. Her family deserves justice," Wong said in a statement. "This decision falls far short of the accountability we expect."
Israel had previously acknowledged that its forces mistakenly targeted the humanitarian convoy. An internal investigation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) concluded that the strikes resulted from serious procedural flaws, misidentification of the vehicles, and failures in decision-making. Several officers faced disciplinary action as a result.
Wong referenced the findings of Special Adviser Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, who was appointed by the Australian government to scrutinize Israel's investigation. "This was confirmed by Special Adviser Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin's report," she stated.
"Democracies seek and accept higher standards," Wong argued, emphasizing that democratic nations must uphold the highest standards when military operations result in civilian deaths. "The Australian government will not stop pressing Israel for justice for Zomi and her colleagues."
Australia's ambassador to Israel has also been directed to formally convey Canberra's objections to the Israeli government. Frankcom, a 43-year-old from Melbourne, was recognized as a respected humanitarian worker who had contributed to relief efforts globally before joining World Central Kitchen. The Australian government has been seeking answers from Israel since the incident and maintains that genuine accountability is crucial for international confidence in military investigations.