Canberra: Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong has condemned Israel for an airstrike that killed an Australian citizen in Gaza.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night, Wong said the Australian government expects full accountability from Israel for the deaths of seven people who were working with World Central Kitchen to deliver aid in Gaza when they were killed by an airstrike on Monday local time.
The group included Australian citizen Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom, a Melbourne-born 43-year-old who had worked with the aid organization for five years.
“The death of any aid worker is outrageous and unacceptable,” Wong said.
“The Australian government condemns this strike. The government has made representations to the Netanyahu government and seeks a thorough and expeditious review.”
She confirmed the foreign affairs department is providing consular assistance to Frankcom’s family in Australia.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had requested a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the incident.
Appearing on Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio on Wednesday morning, Wong said she expected Netanyahu to make himself available to speak to Albanese and urged the Israeli leader to change course to avoid further civilian deaths.
Frankcom’s family said in a statement on Tuesday that they were mourning the news that “Zomi” had been killed doing the work she loves.
They said “Zomi” was a kind, selfless and outstanding human who will leave behind a legacy of compassion, bravery and love.
UNI/XINHUA
