SYDNEY, Australia: An Israeli strike that killed seven charity workers in a Gaza aid convoy in April, including Australian national Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom, was due to “mistaken identification” and numerous other critical failures, the Australian government reported on Friday. The convoy, which included workers from World Central Kitchen, was targeted while distributing food and water in the Palestinian enclave.
Former Australian air force chief Mark Binskin, who oversaw Israel’s investigation, released a declassified report detailing the incident. The report revealed that three trucks in the aid convoy were hit in quick succession after an Israeli surveillance drone identified some of the charity’s security personnel carrying guns. This led to a “breakdown in situational awareness” and confusion, causing Israeli commanders to mistake the security staff for armed Hamas hijackers.
The attack resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers: an Australian, three Britons, a North American, a Palestinian, and a Pole, prompting global outrage. Photos showed a missile piercing the roof of a white aid truck emblazoned with the charity’s logo, obliterating its interior. The report also highlighted a significant error in failing to read the previously agreed-upon movement plan between the military and the charity.
Although Israel issued a public apology and promptly stood down two officers and reprimanded three others, the report emphasized that these actions were insufficient. It concluded that Israel’s military needs to do more to atone for the incident and ensure such mistakes do not recur. The families of the victims have expressed that the apology was not “proper” or delivered at the “appropriate level.”
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that Canberra would continue to press for “full accountability,” including potential criminal charges. Wong stressed the importance of implementing robust protections for aid workers, advocating for a ceasefire as the best safeguard for both aid workers and civilians.
World Central Kitchen, founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, provides food to areas affected by humanitarian crises. It paused its operations in Gaza following the strike but resumed in late April. The ongoing Gaza conflict, triggered by an October 7 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas on southern Israel, has led to significant casualties on both sides. According to the Gaza health ministry, the Israeli military offensive has resulted in the deaths of at least 39,480 people in Gaza, predominantly civilians.
In response to these events, the Australian government continues to seek a formal apology and assurances that measures are in place to prevent such tragedies in the future.
