Brother of Australian aid worker killed in Israeli strike calls for prosecution of those involved
The brother of an Australian aid worker killed by Israel says more action must be taken against the officers responsible.
Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) officers were reprimanded and dismissed over the killing of Australian aid worker Lalzawmi ‘Zomi’ Frankcom but her brother wants those involved to front court.
Zomi Frankcom and six other World Central Kitchen workers were killed by the IDF when it launched strikes as aid workers delivered food at night in early April.
Two IDF officers were dismissed from the force and three others have been reprimanded. Mal Frankcom has called for further action to be taken.
“I don’t think killing seven innocent people and then being dismissed from your job is sufficient,” Frankcom told ABC’s 7.30 program on Monday night.
The Frankcom family issued this photo along with a statement paying tribute to Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom (bottom centre), an Australian aid worker killed delivering food in Gaza. Source: Supplied
“To see them go to court and to be tried and convicted and punished (would be sufficient).
“I would be disappointed if it was left just at their dismissal and then that’s it.”
An IDF report into the incident said soldiers had mishandled critical information and the strike on the aid vehicle was a “grave mistake”.
“The incident should not have occurred,” a statement from the IDF in early April said.
“Those who approved the strike were convinced that they were targeting armed Hamas operatives and not (World Central Kitchen) employees.”
Former Australian Defence Force chief Mark Binskin oversaw a report into her death and found it was “not deliberately directed” and that serious errors — exacerbated by confirmation bias — had led Israel to launch the strike.
The Israeli embassy has accused Australia of making crucial omissions and misrepresentations in that report.
The United Nations says at least 283 aid workers have been killed in Gaza as of July 2024.
Frankcom said it would take time to get used to his sister’s death and that he would tell his children their aunt was an inspiration, brave and courageous.
“She loved fiercely and never took no for an answer,” he said.
