Foreign Minister Penny Wong summoned Israel’s ambassador Hillel Newman over the move and has asked Canberra’s envoy in the country to “convey our views directly” to the government there, she said.
“The Australian government learned of Israel’s decision late last night, moments before it was announced, on World Humanitarian Day – which is especially insulting to Zomi’s loved ones, humanitarians and all Australians,” Wong said.
Frankcom was among a group of seven World Central Kitchen staff killed in April 2024 when their aid convoy was mistakenly hit by an Israeli air strike.
Their deaths triggered global outrage and a renewed push to ensure the safety of aid workers in Gaza.
“Zomi represented the best of Australia. Her courage deserves to be celebrated. Her family deserves justice,” Wong said.
“This decision falls far short of the accountability we expect.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted that the military had “unintentionally” killed the volunteers.
But Israel’s military announced on Wednesday criminal investigations would not be launched into their deaths.
Following his meeting with Wong, Israel’s envoy Newman told journalists in Canberra he expressed “deep sorrow and grief” to Frankcom’s family.
But he insisted “Israel had no intention to attack or injure in any way the aid workers that were on the convoy”.
“The decision that there’s no criminal liability. We must respect that conclusion,” he said. (AFP)
