Zali Steggall MP: Israel's lack of accountability for Zomi Frankcom’s killing is unacceptable
20 August 2026
More than two years after Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom was killed alongside six World Central Kitchen colleagues, Israel has cleared the personnel involved of criminal wrongdoing.
This is a serious failure of accountability and an insult to Zomi’s family, Australian humanitarian workers and international humanitarian law.
Israel’s own investigation found the strike resulted from misidentification and serious failures in IDF procedures. Yet no one faces criminal responsibility.
It is also extraordinary that Australia reportedly learned of the decision only moments before Israel announced it publicly, on World Humanitarian Day.
The Australian Government’s Binskin review identified serious shortcomings in Israel’s response. In March, I raised the case in Question Time and, with Zomi’s brother Mal, met the Prime Minister. I also wrote to Israeli Ambassador Hillel Newman seeking answers. Those questions remain.
It is unacceptable that Israel has not released the full UAV footage and audio of the attack. I call on the Albanese government to support an independent International Criminal Court investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Zomi and the other World Central Kitchen workers, including whether any conduct constituted a war crime.
Zomi’s family has waited more than two years for answers. This matter is not closed.
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