Penny Wong launches attack on Israel after no charges laid over the death of an Aussie volunteer in Gaza

By NICHOLAS COMINO, POLITICAL REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 01:28, 20 August 2026 | Updated: 01:54, 20 August 2026 Foreign Minister Penny Wong has summoned Israel's ambassador after the decision not to pursue criminal charges against those responsible for the drone strikes that killed Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom in Gaza.  The decision concerns the April 2024 attack in central Gaza that killed Frankcom, a 43-year-old from Melbourne, alongside six other World Central Kitchen workers.  The convoy had been travelling in clearly marked vehicles after unloading food aid delivered by sea. In a statement on Thursday, Wong accused Israel of failing to deliver justice for Frankcom's family and not meeting the standards expected of a democratic nation. '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 said.  'Zomi represented the best of Australia. Her courage deserves to be celebrated. Her family deserves justice.'  The deaths sparked international outrage and calls for a thorough investigation into the conduct of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).  Israel later conceded its forces had mistakenly targeted the humanitarian convoy.  Wong (pictured) summoned Israel's ambassador after no charges were laid over the death of Zomi Frankcom, a humanitarian worker from Melbourne The IDF reported the strikes resulted from serious procedural flaws, misidentification of the vehicles and failures in military decision-making.  Several officers were disciplined following an internal investigation.  Wong said Israel's decision not to pursue criminal charges did not meet community expectations. 'This decision falls far short of the accountability we expect,' she said in a statement. 'This is despite Israel Defence 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.'  Wong referred to the findings of Special Adviser Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, appointed by the Australian government to scrutinise Israel's investigation. 'This was confirmed by Special Adviser Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin's report,' she said.  The Foreign Minister argued that democratic nations must enforce the highest standards when their military operations result in civilian deaths. Zomi Frankcom (pictured) and six other aid workers were killed in an IDF strike in Gaza in 2024 Should Australia demand harsher consequences from Israel when aid workers are killed in conflict zones? What's your view?'Democracies seek and accept higher standards,' Wong said.  'The Australian government will not stop pressing Israel for justice for Zomi and her colleagues.'  She has also directed Australia's ambassador to Israel to formally convey Canberra's objections. 'I will call in Israel's Ambassador to Australia Hillel Newman and have directed Australia's Ambassador to Israel to convey our views directly to Israel as the Australian government considers next steps,' Wong said.  Frankcom was regarded as one of Australia's most respected humanitarian workers. Before joining World Central Kitchen, she worked on relief efforts around the world. The federal government has pressed Israel for answers since the strike and maintains that real accountability is essential for international confidence in military investigations.