Albanese confronts Herzog over Australian aid worker's Gaza death

2026-02-11 - 13:25

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used a Canberra meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to directly demand accountability for the killing of Australian humanitarian worker Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom in an Israeli airstrike nearly two years ago. Albanese told parliament he pressed for "full accountability including any appropriate criminal charges" over the April 2024 incident that claimed Frankcom's life along with six fellow World Central Kitchen aid workers. Family's Grief and Call for Progress The meeting occurred amid reported disappointment from Frankcom's family regarding Herzog's invitation to Australia, though relatives expressed hope the high-level discussion might finally advance their sister's long-stalled case. The three-vehicle World Central Kitchen convoy was systematically targeted by Israeli drones in Gaza, an incident Australia condemned at the time as both "tragedy and outrage." Ongoing Pursuit of Transparency Albanese reaffirmed Canberra's consistent position demanding transparency regarding Israel's investigation into the fatal strike. The prime minister stated that Herzog indicated he would provide further response to Australian authorities following their discussion. The case has remained a sensitive point in bilateral relations, with Australia continuing to press for judicial consequences nearly two years after the aid workers' deaths drew international condemnation.