Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has demanded “complete accountability” following the tragic death of Australian aid workers in Gaza.
Frankcom, an Australian, was among four international aid workers killed, along with their Palestinian driver, in an Israeli air attack in central Gaza’s Deir el-Balah on Monday.
Speaking at a press conference in Brisbane, Albanese expressed deep sorrow, labeling Frankcom’s death as “utterly unacceptable” and “beyond comprehension.”
“The news today is heartbreaking. DFAT has also requested a meeting with the Israeli ambassador,” Albanese stated, referring to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. “We demand full accountability for this incident. It is a tragedy that should never have happened.”
“It is unfathomable that individuals engaged in humanitarian efforts should lose their lives under these circumstances. There were four aid workers and a Palestinian driver in that vehicle,” Albanese emphasized.
Albanese further reiterated the call for a “sustainable ceasefire,” stating, “Australians wish to witness an end to this conflict.”
Earlier, DFAT released a statement asserting Australia’s firm stance on ensuring safe and unhindered access for humanitarian workers in Gaza to carry out their life-saving missions.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have tragically killed at least four international aid workers associated with the World Central Kitchen (WCK) charity, along with their Palestinian driver. The incident occurred shortly after the group delivered a new shipment of food to assist Palestinians who are facing severe food shortages due to Israel’s ongoing conflict.
Images showed the bodies of the deceased at al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the central Gaza town of Deir al-Balah on Monday. Many of them were wearing protective gear adorned with the charity’s logo. Among the victims, passports belonging to three individuals were displayed, indicating their British, Australian, and Polish nationality. The identity of the fourth aid worker remains unknown at this time.
In response to the incident, the Israeli military stated that they are conducting a review to ascertain the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
Chef Jose Andres, the founder of WCK, expressed profound grief over the loss of their colleagues, highlighting their invaluable contributions to humanitarian efforts across various regions. He called upon the Israeli government to cease indiscriminate violence, lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, refrain from targeting civilians and aid workers, and halt the use of food as a weapon.
Andres emphasized the importance of recognizing and respecting shared humanity as the foundation for peace, urging immediate action to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
