Burke condemns Israeli strike that killed Aussie aid worker

Australia will continue to push Israel on the death of Australian aid worker Lalzawmi ‘Zomi’ Frankcom in an Israeli Defence Force air strike, senior minister Tony Burke says. The newly appointed immigration minister said the Binskin review found Israel had failed to meet “obligations under international law” to protect civilians and aid workers. Mr Burke said the Albanese government was “grateful” for the co-operation that “had been demanded by the Australian government”, but made clear Canberra was far from happy. “We condemn the strikes that caused the killing of Zomi Frankcom,” Mr Burke told Sky News on Sunday. “The government continues to press with the Israeli ambassador and through all our representations to make sure that all appropriate responses are followed through and considered, including whether or not there should be criminal penalties.” The special review undertaken by former Australian chief of Defence Mark Binskin, released on Friday, found “serious failures” in Israeli military practices were responsible for the death of Ms Frankcom and six of her World Central Kitchen colleagues. They were killed in Gaza in an “intentional strike” carried out by Israel in early April. The Australian government appointed Mr Binskin to review the Israeli government’s response to the incident. Israel’s incursion into Gaza was sparked by Palestinian militant group Hamas’ brutal October 7 attacks that killed approximately 1200. The group kidnapped hundreds of civilians, including children, and took them back into Gaza. More to come