In a decision that has sparked sharp diplomatic anger between Canberra and Jerusalem, Israel has opted not to prosecute any military personnel over the April 2024 airstrike that killed Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six of her colleagues working with the global food security non-profit World Central Kitchen in Gaza.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong released a formal statement Thursday condemning the outcome, which she confirmed Australian officials received notification of overnight Wednesday. Wong called the Israeli government’s choice “outrageous”, noting that it carries an extra layer of offense for being announced on World Humanitarian Day, an annual observance honoring the work of humanitarian aid workers across the globe.
Notably, the decision to forgo prosecution comes even after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) itself acknowledged that the April strike on Frankcom and her colleagues’ convoy was caused by severe procedural breakdowns, incorrect target identification, and flawed command decision-making. Wong emphasized that the Israeli government’s refusal to hold any personnel accountable “falls far short of the accountability we expect” from a close diplomatic partner.
To underscore Australia’s formal objection, Wong announced that she would summon Israeli Ambassador to Australia Hillel Newman for a formal meeting to convey Canberra’s position. She has also directed the Australian Ambassador to Israel to deliver the government’s stance directly to Israeli leadership, as the Australian government weighs what additional diplomatic steps it will take moving forward. Wong reaffirmed that Australia will not relent in its pressure on Israel to secure full accountability and justice for Frankcom, her six slain colleagues, and their grieving families.