Shoebridge criticises Labor response after IDF officer’s ‘reprehensible’ comments on deadly Zomi Frankcom strike
News Source
•Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:00:10 GMT
📰 What Happened
The Greens have criticised how the Australian government reacted to comments from a former Israeli army officer. Nochi Mendel said he would do 'exactly the same thing' again. He led the attack that killed Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom in Gaza in 2024.
Mendel also said the aid workers killed that day were 'not innocent'. Foreign minister Penny Wong called his words 'utterly disgraceful'. The charity World Central Kitchen called them an outrageous smear.
Greens spokesman David Shoebridge said words are just distractions. He wants the government to stop military exports and impose new sanctions on Israel.
🔍 The Backstory
Zomi Frankcom was one of seven World Central Kitchen workers killed in April 2024. They were delivering food to hungry people in Gaza when their convoy was struck.
The deaths caused anger around the world. Australia demanded a full and open investigation. Questions remain about how to keep aid workers safe in war zones.
World Central Kitchen is a charity that feeds people after disasters. Its workers rely on being seen as neutral helpers, which is why the former officer's comments hurt so much.
🎯 Why It Matters
Australians expect their government to stand up for citizens killed overseas. How the country answers this killing shows what it values, and it shapes public trust in foreign policy.
The Greens have criticised how the Australian government reacted to comments from a former Israeli army officer. Nochi Mendel said he would do 'exactly the same thing' again. He led the attack that killed Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom in Gaza in 2024.
Mendel also said the aid workers killed that day were 'not innocent'. Foreign minister Penny Wong called his words 'utterly disgraceful'. The charity World Central Kitchen called them an outrageous smear.
Greens spokesman David Shoebridge said words are just distractions. He wants the government to stop military exports and impose new sanctions on Israel.
Zomi Frankcom was one of seven World Central Kitchen workers killed in April 2024. They were delivering food to hungry people in Gaza when their convoy was struck.
The deaths caused anger around the world. Australia demanded a full and open investigation. Questions remain about how to keep aid workers safe in war zones.
World Central Kitchen is a charity that feeds people after disasters. Its workers rely on being seen as neutral helpers, which is why the former officer's comments hurt so much.
Australians expect their government to stand up for citizens killed overseas. How the country answers this killing shows what it values, and it shapes public trust in foreign policy.