Australian aid worker’s family supports war crimes investigation against Israel

By Zehra Nur Duz

The family of Zomi Frankcom, an Australian aid worker killed in the Gaza Strip by an Israeli airstrike earlier this week, lent support to an inquiry into whether Israeli soldiers involved in her death should face war crimes charges, according to media reports.

It came after seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen (WCK) food charity were killed Monday. They were nationals of Australia, Poland, the UK, and Palestine, as well as a US-Canada dual citizen.

The WCK said it was pausing operations in the region following the attack.

The attack has sounded international alarm bells, with many condemning the attack and demanding a thorough investigation.

After Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed outrage to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Frankcom's death, her family indicated a willingness to support a war crimes investigation and potential charges if warranted, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Frankcom's brother, Mal, and other family members expressed deep regret to the newspaper for the drone strike that killed Zomi and her six colleagues.

“It should never have happened,” they said.

They found the initial responses from the Israeli government and military regarding the deaths “disappointing,” stressing the importance of safeguarding the lives of humanitarian workers.

“Zomi would be heartbroken if this incident, as tragic as it is, prevented aid from being given to those in need by organizations such as WCK,” said the family. “They all need to be protected and championed.”

The convoy of workers from WCK, distributing food in Gaza, was struck due to a "misidentification," according to the Israeli military.

But that explanation has not satisfied senior Australian government officials or Frankcom's family.

Australia is awaiting the completion of the Israeli military's full investigation into Frankcom's death before deciding on potential actions, said the newspaper.