Australia summoned Israel’s ambassador on Thursday and expressed outrage at a decision by its military not to pursue criminal proceedings over the death of an Australian aid worker in a 2024 airstrike in Gaza.
“This decision falls short of the expected accountability,” Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated, emphasizing Australia’s demand for justice.
“Democracies set and uphold higher standards. The Australian government will continue to advocate for justice for Zomi and her colleagues,” Wong added.
Following the attack, which prompted condemnation from the United States and allies, citizens from Britain, Poland, and dual nationals were among the victims.
The investigation concluded there was no criminal liability for the soldiers involved, according to Hillel Newman, Israel’s ambassador to Australia, though operational errors by the military were noted.
“It was a mistake in retrospect, but the court found no criminal intent or responsibility,” Newman told reporters in Canberra after meeting Wong.
Newman explained the aid workers’ convoy deviated from a pre-approved route and may have included armed personnel, prompting the Israeli military to act under the assumption it was a Hamas operation.
Also Read
- Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Investigations Target Zelenskyy Inner Circle
- Russian Missile Strikes on Kyiv Kill at Least Eight in Coordinated Overnight Attack
- Pakistan Targets Record Hybrid Rice Exports to China Amid Indian Export Restrictions
- AppLovin vs. CoreWeave: What Recent Revenue Trends Tell Investors