The Australian government announced on Saturday its decision to appoint a special advisor to work with Israel to ensure “full confidence” in the investigations into an airstrike in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers, including an Australian citizen.
According to local newspaper The Australian, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong told reporters that a special government advisor will be appointed to oversee the Israeli investigation into the attack, which killed seven relief workers, one of whom was Australian. The initial investigation conducted by the Israeli government was deemed unsatisfactory.
Wong expressed concern, stating: “The information provided by Israel in its investigation has not yet met our expectations. We are also concerned by initial comments suggesting this was an accident and that such incidents happen during war… We would like to have full confidence in the transparency and accountability of any investigation and will continue to work towards that.”
Yesterday, the Israeli military dismissed two officers and issued formal reprimands to senior leaders after an investigation into the death of the aid workers, including Australian Zumi Francom, found serious mistakes and violations of procedures.
The Australian Foreign Minister described the dismissal of the officers as “necessary first steps” but conveyed in a letter sent overnight to Israel that “the initial actions suggest that the Israeli government has not yet grasped the seriousness of the death of seven humanitarian workers.”
“This matter cannot be overlooked,” she added, noting the expectation that all evidence will be preserved in the investigations.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had previously spoken with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing his country’s anger and concern over the death of the Australian aid worker.
The recent Gaza war, which began on October 7, has witnessed significant violations against aid workers and humanitarian efforts, exacerbated by the Israeli military’s actions. Reports highlight a series of incidents where aid workers, health care personnel, and UN staff were targeted or caught in attacks, leading to deaths, injuries, and substantial obstruction of humanitarian assistance.
An Israeli attack on a UNRWA food distribution center in Rafah resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals, including a United Nations humanitarian worker, and wounded over 20 others. This center was one of the few remaining UNRWA distribution points providing essential supplies to the people in Gaza amid widespread hunger. Despite sharing the coordinates of all its facilities with the conflicting parties, including the Israeli Army, UNRWA has faced unprecedented violations against its staff and facilities, with attacks surpassing any other conflict globally. The agency reported that at least 165 of its team members have been killed since October 7, with over 150 facilities attacked, some completely destroyed.