Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has condemned as 'especially insulting' the Israeli military's decision not to pursue criminal proceedings over the 2024 drone strikes that killed Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom.
Key facts
- Penny Wong expressed 'outrage' at the IDF decision not to open a criminal investigation into the strikes.
- Australia will call in the Israeli ambassador over the decision.
- Zomi Frankcom, an Australian aid worker, was killed in a 2024 triple drone strike on a humanitarian convoy in Gaza.
- Wong called the timing of the decision, on World Humanitarian Day, 'especially insulting'.
- The decision was made by the Israeli government overnight, according to the Guardian.
Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, has expressed “outrage” over the Israel Defence Forces’ decision not to open a criminal investigation into the Gaza strikes that killed Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, according to the Guardian.
In a statement released on Thursday, Wong said she would call in the Israeli ambassador over the decision, which was made overnight, according to the Guardian.
Wong took particular issue with the timing of the announcement, which came on World Humanitarian Day. She called that timing “especially insulting,” according to the Guardian.
Frankcom was killed in a 2024 triple drone strike on a humanitarian convoy in Gaza.
The Israeli government decided not to pursue criminal proceedings over the strike, prompting the Australian government’s formal response and its decision to summon the Israeli ambassador.
The Guardian reported the developments as Australia’s foreign affairs minister sought to register the country’s objection at a diplomatic level.
Why it matters
The death of an Australian aid worker in Gaza and the subsequent decision not to pursue criminal charges raises questions about accountability for strikes on humanitarian personnel. The Australian government's decision to summon the Israeli ambassador signals a significant diplomatic response between the two countries.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Zomi Frankcom?
Zomi Frankcom was an Australian aid worker who was killed in a 2024 triple drone strike on a humanitarian convoy in Gaza, according to the Guardian.
What did Penny Wong say about the IDF decision?
Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed 'outrage' and called the timing of the decision, on World Humanitarian Day, 'especially insulting.' She said Australia would call in the Israeli ambassador.
What did the IDF decide?
According to the Guardian, the IDF decided overnight not to open a criminal investigation into the Gaza strikes that killed Zomi Frankcom.