The Australian government has expressed fierce outrage after Israel decided not to launch a criminal investigation into a mistaken airstrike in the Gaza Strip that killed an Australian aid worker and other staff members.

According to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on the 20th local time, Foreign Minister Penny Wong released a statement saying that the Australian government is "furious" over Israel's decision not to investigate the strike that caused the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers, including Australian Zomi Frankcom.

Minister Wong stated that "this decision falls far short of the level of accountability we expect" and announced that the government will summon Israeli Ambassador to Australia Hillel Newman to lodge a formal protest.

She also added that she has instructed Australia's Ambassador to Israel to convey Australia's position directly to the Israeli government.

"Zomi embodied the best of Australia," Minister Wong emphasized, adding, "The government will not stop pressing Israel to achieve justice for Zomi and her colleagues."

The previous day, the Israeli military announced its decision not to initiate a criminal investigation into the April 2024 airstrike in the Gaza Strip that targeted a WCK vehicle departing after delivering food aid, killing Frankcom and six colleagues.

The Israeli military claimed that "there was no reasonable suspicion of a criminal offense that would justify opening a criminal investigation."

At the time of the incident, amid intense international condemnation—including strong criticism from then-U.S. President Joe Biden—the Israeli military unusually admitted fault, stating it had mistaken the aid workers for armed militants.

Following the incident, two officers, including a colonel and a major who ordered the strike, were dismissed and three other officers were reprimanded, but no responsible individuals faced criminal prosecution.

In response, the Australian government has continually pressured for a resolution, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog during his visit to Australia last February to demand the criminal prosecution of those responsible.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military has decided to conduct criminal investigations into the February 2024 deaths of 5-year-old Hind Rajab and her family, as well as the killing of 15 Palestinian paramedics in May of last year.

(Photo provided by World Central Kitchen (WCK), Yonhap News)