Finally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confessed to an IDF airstrike that tragically claimed the lives of Australian aid worker Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom and six others in Gaza.
In a video statement, Netanyahu acknowledged the incident, labelling it an “unintended strike” on “innocent people in the Gaza Strip” occurring amidst the ongoing conflict.
He assured thorough investigations and pledged efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future. However, with numerous human rights violations mounting up over the genocide in Gaza, it is hard to see that there will be any accountability.
The United Nations spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, remarked that such casualties were “the inevitable result” of the current conduct of the war. Even though the IDF has always claimed that they were the most moral army in the world and could identify a Nike tick on a shoe.
Meanwhile, the charity organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) suspended its aid delivery operations in Gaza following the strike, mourning the loss of its staff members who hailed from various countries. This suspension further exacerbates the famine in Gaza with children in desperate need of nourishment.
The convoy carrying the aid workers was coordinated with the Israeli army, according to WCK, yet it faced a fatal airstrike. This coordination with the IDF should have resulted in a safe passage for the aid workers, instead their vehicles were struck with pinpoint accuracy.
The charity, founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, had been instrumental in establishing a maritime route for aid delivery to Gaza, offering hope to its starving population.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese demanded accountability for the tragedy and expressed condolences to Frankcom’s family, emphasizing her humanitarian efforts.
The incident prompted Australia, Britain, and Poland to call for action to safeguard aid workers, further isolating Netanyahu diplomatically over Gaza.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged a swift investigation into the incident, emphasizing the heroism of the NGO workers who risked their lives to assist others. Israel vowed to conduct an independent investigation into the matter.
Despite the setback, President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus affirmed continued aid shipments to Gaza, stressing the humanitarian imperative.
The UAE and Cyprus jointly condemned Israel’s airstrike, adding their voices to the chorus of international condemnation.
