Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
By Georgia Roberts for ABC News
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he has spoken with the Israeli prime minister following an Israeli air strike that killed an Australian aid worker in central Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted it was an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) air strike that killed Australian aid worker Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom and six other people in Gaza.
Albanese said he conveyed to Netanyahu in "very clear terms" that Australians were outraged by the tragedy of Frankcom's death.
He said that during the phone call Netanyahu accepted responsibility for the strike on behalf of the IDF.
"This happens in wartime. We are thoroughly looking into it, are in contact with the governments [of the foreigners among the dead] and will do everything to ensure it does not happen again," Netanyahu said in a video statement.
The Israeli prime minister said his country's forces had carried out the "unintended strike" on "innocent people in the Gaza Strip".
Albanese would not respond to Netanyahu's comments but said Australians would look at the death of Frankcom and be deeply concerned that someone could lose their life while providing aid.
"These people are heroes," the Australian prime minister said of aid workers.
The charity organisation that Frankcom was working for, World Central Kitchen (WCK), has suspended its delivery of vital aid to Palestinians on the brink of starvation following the Israeli strike.
WCK said the team was travelling in a three-car convoy that included two armoured vehicles, and its movements had been coordinated with the Israeli army before it was hit.
Frankcom, as well as Palestinians and citizens of the UK, Poland and a dual US-Canadian national, died in the blasts on Monday night, local time.
Australian aid worker Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankcom who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. Photo: Supplied/Screenshot
The prime minister said he expressed clearly that Australia wanted a "full and proper explanation" for how the deaths occurred.
"The first step is the acceptance of responsibility and that has occurred," Albanese said.
"But we want a very fast, immediate, clear and transparent process to occur."
'Outrage of the nation': Senator Wong
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she had spoken to her Israeli counterpart and "expressed the outrage of the nation".
"I said the death of any aid worker is outrageous and unacceptable," Senator Wong said.
"We expect full accountability for these deaths, and his intention was to ensure that there was a thorough investigation.
When asked if Australia would consider sanctions against Israel, Wong said the government did not "speculate on sanctions".
"We maintain diplomatic relationships with many countries, and we will continue to do so," she said.
Asked if he would consider expelling Israeli diplomats from the country or recalling the Israeli ambassador following the death, Albanese refused to be drawn.
He reiterated his government's position on the Israel-Gaza war had remained "consistent". It has been calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in the war in the past few months.
The prime minister said he had given Frankcom's brother his personal mobile number and he would be able to contact him at any time.
"I indicated to him I would be available at any time to provide whatever assistance either my office or the Australian government could provide to him and his family," he said.
In a statement yesterday, Frankcom's family said it was mourning the news of the death of its "brave and beloved Zomi [who] has been killed doing the work she loves delivering food to the people of Gaza".
"She was a kind, selfless and outstanding human being that has travelled the world helping others in their time of need," the statement said.
"She will leave behind a legacy of compassion, bravery and love for all those in her orbit.
"We are still reeling from the shock and we humbly request privacy during this difficult time."
- This story was first published by ABC
