Australia condemns Israel’s decision to close probe into World Central Kitchen strike

Australia on Thursday condemned Israel’s decision to close its criminal investigation into the deaths of aid worker Zomi Frankcom and her World Central Kitchen colleagues, as Foreign Minister Penny Wong said this is a "difficult time" in the relationship between Canberra and Tel Aviv.

"Australia is outraged the Israeli Government has decided not to pursue criminal proceedings against those responsible for killing Zomi Frankcom and her World Central Kitchen colleagues," Wong said as Australia summoned Israeli Ambassador Hillel Newman to Parliament House, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

Addressing a news conference after summoning the Israeli ambassador, Wong said, "Obviously, this is a difficult time in a relationship. We made our views clear about this issue. You've seen the Netanyahu government's response to some of those. I think we are realistic about that."

"I think we have an Australian humanitarian worker who was killed not on the first strike, but in the context of three separate strikes on a humanitarian convoy," she added.

Israel's decision to clear its soldiers overnight, Wong noted, constitutes a decision not to proceed with a criminal investigation.

The decision fails to engage with key questions that have been raised in the inquiry, she maintained.

She reiterated the Australian government's demand for the release of the drone footage of the Israeli strike.

Asked what further steps the government will take on the matter, she said the government will consult with Zomi Frankcom's family on that.

"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 earlier said in a statement.

"This decision falls far short of the accountability we expect.

"This is despite Israel Defense Forces admissions that the IDF strikes on Zomi and her colleagues’ vehicles were the result of serious failures to follow IDF procedures, mistaken identification and errors in decision-making," she said.

The minister said the government would continue pressing Israel for accountability, arguing that democratic countries should hold themselves to higher standards.

Frankcom was killed in Gaza with six other colleagues by an Israeli airstrike in April 2024 while traveling in a convoy of clearly marked aid vehicles.