Australia Says Israeli Information on Death of Aid Worker ‘Not Sufficient’

"We have not yet received sufficient information to satisfy our expectations," Wong informed reporters in Adelaide, following the death of Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom.

Frankcom was among seven aid workers killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza. In response, the Australian government has declared its intention to appoint a special adviser to collaborate with Israel, ensuring thorough investigations into the airstrike that claimed the lives of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, including an Australian.

"The government will appoint a special adviser, who we have requested the Israelis work with, so we can be advised about the appropriateness of the process," stated Wong.

Israel has reportedly taken action by dismissing two officers and formally reprimanding senior commanders after an inquiry into the strike that killed aid workers, including Australian Zomi Frankcom. However, Wong deemed these dismissals as "necessary first steps" but reiterated that the information provided by Israel regarding the aid workers' deaths was "not sufficient."

In an interview with CNN, former CIA Director Leon Panetta urged Israel to take "some real and concrete steps" to enhance its standard military operations in Gaza, aiming to minimize civilian casualties, including those of aid workers.

"You have to be able to verify, to take time to make sure that the information you’re getting is accurate with regards to targets. And I have to tell you that in the past, at least in my experience, the Israelis usually fire and then ask questions."

The ongoing Israeli war in Gaza persists, with continuous airstrikes pounding areas across central Gaza, Khan Younis, and Gaza City.

These attacks are impeding humanitarian aid efforts, exacerbating conditions on the ground, particularly after Israel's recent strike on World Central Kitchen (WCK) employees.

The escalating bombings are leading to increasingly challenging circumstances for Palestinians, with casualties rising. At least 33,091 Palestinians have been killed, and 75,750 wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7.