Israeli veterans’ visit attracts controversy as calls grow for investigation into Zomi Frankcom killing

Support is growing for a joint international criminal investigation into the drone strike that killed Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, as Palestinian advocates call for Israeli military veterans visiting Australia to be subjected to police questioning.

The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) wrote to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke this week to raise concerns about the former soldiers, including some who have recently served in Gaza and Lebanon, who are set to participate in Sunday’s Sydney Marathon as part of a charity fundraiser.

This masthead reported this week that international law experts had called for Australia, Britain and Canada to consider launching an MH17-style investigation into the 2024 attack on the World Central Kitchen convoy after Israeli authorities declined to press charges.

With Foreign Minister Penny Wong to meet shortly with the Frankcom family to discuss the government’s response, Independent MP Zali Steggall said: “The Albanese government must seriously and urgently consider an international investigation by Australia, Canada and the UK into the killing of Australian humanitarian worker Zomi Frankcom and her colleagues in an IDF strike.

“Any such investigation must be pursued in close consultation with, and with the support of, Zomi’s family.

“Zomi was killed while doing some of the most important work there is – delivering food and aid to people in desperate situations.”

Steggall, who has championed Frankcom’s cause in parliament, said that an “independent investigation of the kind being proposed offers a chance to truly establish the facts, ensure the evidence is independently tested, and determine whether those responsible should be held to account”.

Independent senator David Pocock also backed calls for Australia, Canada and Britain to pursue an MH17-style investigation.

“An MH17-style investigation would create a mechanism to pursue criminal prosecutions, even in absentia.