International Minister Penny Wong says she has spoken to Israel’s International Minister Israel Katz, and expressed outrage on behalf of Australia over the loss of life of Australian assist employee Zomi Frankcom in an Israeli strike.
Wong mentioned Frankcom’s loss of life was tragic, and the nation was in mourning.
“Can I first begin by expressing my deepest sympathy and condolences of all Australians to Zomi’s household. Australians are with you, we’re mourning with you, and we all know that Zomi’s life is a life that was devoted as service of others, and it’s a tragedy what has occurred,” she mentioned.
Wong mentioned on ABC’s Radio Nationwide Breakfast program she had instructed Katz that Australia “expects full accountability for these deaths”.
“I mentioned that the loss of life of any assist employee is outrageous, and it’s unacceptable,” Wong mentioned.
“We spoke about his intention to make sure that there was an intensive investigation. Israel’s defence minister [Yoav Gallant] mentioned knowledgeable group will examine what occurred, america has mentioned that this have to be neutral.”
Wong mentioned Israel was shedding assist and would danger persevering with to take action.
“Until Israel adjustments course, it can proceed to lose assist, and positively the tragedy that you simply and I are discussing additional damages Israel’s standing,” she mentioned.
“This has been a battle which has been significantly deadly for assist employees. I do know that the UN secretary-general mentioned in a single day, some 196 assist employees have been killed on this battle. That is unacceptable in six months.”