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US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has issued strong remarks to Israel’s defence minister following the death of seven aid workers.
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Secretary Austin used his regular dialogue with Israel’s Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to express “outrage” over the killing of seven aid workers in Gaza who were supporting humanitarian operations as part of charity World Central Kitchen.
Among those killed in the strike was Melbourne woman Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom who has a history of volunteering for those in need.
The strike also killed three British veterans, including John Chapman who served in the Special Boat Service, former Royal Marine James Henderson, and Army veteran James Kirby.
Secretary Austin told Gallant to share the findings of Israel’s review into the killing publicly, the Pentagon confirmed.
“Secretary Austin expressed his outrage at the Israeli strike on a World Central Kitchen humanitarian aid convoy that killed seven aid workers, including an American citizen,” a statement from the Pentagon read.
“Secretary Austin stressed the need to immediately take concrete steps to protect aid workers and Palestinian civilians in Gaza after repeated coordination failures with foreign aid groups.
“Secretary Austin urged Minister Gallant to conduct a swift and transparent investigation, to share their conclusions publicly, and to hold those responsible to account.
“Secretary Austin stated that this tragedy reinforced the expressed concern over a potential Israeli military operation in Rafah, specifically focusing on the need to ensure the evacuation of Palestinian civilians and the flow of humanitarian aid.”
World Central Kitchen has supported both Gazans and Israelis during the recent conflict, including providing support to Israelis during the 7 October attacks.
“Secretary Austin expressed his admiration for World Central Kitchen and its dedicated staff. World Central Kitchen delivered millions of meals to Israelis displaced by the Hamas attack on 7 October and pioneered the delivery of food to Gaza by land, air, and sea – now totalling over 40 million meals to Gazans in need.”
Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong issued a firm statement in response to the strike.
“The death of any aid worker is outrageous and unacceptable.
“Throughout this conflict, Australia has called for restraint, for the protection of civilians and safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance.
“The Australian government condemns this strike. The government has made representations to the Netanyahu government and seeks a thorough and expeditious review.
“We expect full accountability for these deaths.”
