Gaza tragic blunder: community leaders react
Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom was one of seven aid workers killed by an Israeli attack gone wrong.
Zomi Frankcom
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin said: “We welcome the Israeli Government’s apology for the deaths of seven aid workers, including Australian woman Zomi Frankcom. Those who voluntarily travel to a war zone to help people in need are heroes. Their deaths are an immense tragedy. We support the government’s call for a thorough and transparent investigation to determine how this happened and ensure it doesn’t happen again.
“Casualties caused by accidental fire are a grim reality of war especially one involving a ruthless terrorist force that uses unlawful and sinister tactics intended to ensnare the civilian population in the fighting and inflict maximum suffering on non-combatants. We have seen three hostages and dozens of soldiers killed by friendly fire and this is another tragic example.
“Our community conveys condolences to Ms Frankcom’s family and all those affected. We share in the grief and sorrow of this incident.”
Jeremy Leibler is the president of the Zionist Federation of Australia. He said: “Ms Frankcom was part of the vital humanitarian resupply efforts by World Central Kitchen. Her death is a tragedy.
Israel has acknowledged that her convoy was hit by Israeli fire and has expressed deep regret. This was the result of a terrible mistake. Like Australia, Israel does not target civilians.
The dual tragedy here is that like the innocent Israelis murdered by Hamas on 7 October and the innocent Palestinians since, Ms Frankcom’s death is ultimately the responsibility of Hamas. Hamas steals aid intended for Gazan civilians and its fighters disguise themselves as civilians in order to bring about this kind of tragedy. Hamas began this war. It will end as soon as Hamas surrenders and releases the remaining Israeli hostages.”
The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council’s executive director, Dr Colin Rubenstein, commented: “We join all Australians in mourning the death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and her colleagues from World Central Kitchen who were bravely and compassionately working to provide food to people in need in Gaza. Israel’s prime minister and spokespersons have deeply apologised and sadly regretted this tragic and unintended accident. Israel has made it clear it is eager to work with aid agencies, including World Central Kitchen, and had absolutely no reason to target them.
“We welcome Israel’s decision to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation to ascertain exactly what happened and work to ensure it does not happen again. Initial indications are that lack of coordination within a field unit, due to human error, caused this terrible tragedy. We trust Israel will ensure accountability for whoever is responsible for this heartbreaking error and the IDF will draw appropriate operational lessons to ensure such a shocking incident is never repeated.”
Amir Maimon, Israel’s ambassador to Australia, tweeted on X: Deeply saddened by the news of @WCKitchen workers who were tragically killed in Gaza. My team and I at @israelinOZ mourn the death of Australian humanitarian worker Zomi Frankcom. The IDF does and will continue to do everything in its power to prevent harm to civilians. Israel will thoroughly investigate this tragedy to guarantee the safety and security of aid workers in Gaza.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed he spoke with Israel’s leader on Wednesday morning.
“I expressed Australia’s anger and concern at the death of Zomi Frankcom,” he told reporters in Canberra.
The prime minister said Mr Netanyahu has committed to “full transparency” and a thorough investigation.
“The Israeli government has accepted responsibility for this and Prime Minister Netanyahu conveyed his condolences to the family of Zomi Frankcom and to Australia as a result of this tragedy,” Mr Albanese said.
The prime minister deflected questions about whether the government was considering expelling Israel’s top diplomat in Australia, Ambassador Amir Maimon.
Asked whether he outlined any consequences if the government deemed the investigation unsatisfactory, Mr Albanese said he reiterated Australia’s concern at the loss of life.
A statement released by Israel Defence Force chief of general staff Herzi Halevi claimed the strike “shouldn’t have happened”.
J-Wire with AAP
