Australia summons Israeli envoy over decision not to prosecute aid worker killings

Australia summoned Israel's ambassador on Thursday, expressing outrage over the Israeli military's decision not to pursue criminal proceedings for the 2024 death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom in a Gaza airstrike. Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated the decision falls short of expected accountability, while Israel's ambassador cited operational failures but no criminal liability.

Australia summoned Israel's ambassador on Thursday and expressed outrage at the Israeli military's decision not to pursue criminal proceedings over the death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom in a 2024 airstrike in Gaza. The Israeli military said it found no basis to investigate the killings of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers after a fact-finding procedure. Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated the decision falls short of the accountability Australia expects, adding that the government will not stop pressing Israel for justice. Israel's ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, said the investigation concluded there was no criminal liability for the soldiers involved, though there were operational failures. Newman claimed the aid workers' convoy deviated from a pre-approved route and may have carried armed personnel, leading the military to believe it had been taken over by Hamas. The attack drew widespread condemnation from the US and allies after citizens of Britain, Poland, and a dual US-Canadian citizen were among those killed.