Australia expresses 'displeasure' over Israel's closure of investigation into killing of aid workers in Gaza

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed “deep dismay” on Thursday over Israel’s decision to close the criminal investigation into the killing of aid worker Lalzamy “Zumi” Frankcom and her colleagues in Gaza.

In a statement, Wong announced, “I will summon Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, and have requested the Australian ambassador to Israel to convey our position directly to Israel, as the Australian government considers its next steps.”

She added, “The Australian government learned of Israel’s decision late last night, just moments before its public announcement, on World Humanitarian Day—an act that deeply insults Zumi’s family, humanitarian workers, and all Australians.”

Frankcom was among the staff of the American charity World Central Kitchen who were killed in an Israeli military airstrike that targeted their convoy, which was distributing food and water in April 2024.

Responding to the development, Wong said, “Zumi represented the best of Australia. Her courage deserves to be celebrated, and her family deserves justice.”