Brother of aid worker killed in Gaza calls for action

The brother of an Australian aid worker killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza is pushing for further action to be taken over her death.

Zomi Frankcom and six other World Central Kitchen workers died after the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) launched strikes as they delivered food at night in early April.

Two officers were dismissed from the force and three others have been reprimanded, however Mal Frankcom called for further action to be taken.

"I don't think killing seven innocent people and then being dismissed from your job is sufficient," Mr Frankcom told ABC's 7.30 program.

"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 solders 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.

Intergenerational conflicts in the Middle East region involving Palestinians and Israelis escalated on October 7, 2023.

Hamas, designated a terrorist organisation by the Australian government, launched an assault that killed 1200 people with more than 200 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.

Israel then launched a bombing campaign and ground offensive in Gaza that has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, according to data cited by the United Nations provided by the local ministry of health.

The United Nations says at least 283 aid workers had died in Gaza as of July 2024.

Mr 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," Mr Frankcom said.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store