'Australia is outraged': Wong condemns Israel's decision in Zomi Frankcom case

The Australian Government has blasted the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) over its decision not to formally investigate whether crimes were committed by those responsible for killing Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom.

In one of her strongest statements as foreign minister, Penny Wong said "Australia is outraged" at the IDF's decision to close the investigation into the drone strike in Gaza that killed Zomi Frankcom and others working for World Central Kitchen.

She confirmed Israel's ambassador in Canberra, Hillel Newman, will be called in for an explanation as the government considers "next steps".

The decision was published on World Humanitarian Day, which Minister Wong said was "especially insulting" to Zomi Frankcom’s family and humanitarians across the globe.

She also revealed Israel only communicated to the government "moments" ahead of it being publicly announced.

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Israel's military has announced they have launched criminal investigations into two high-profile attacks on Palestinians during the war in Gaza, but not into a strike on a convoy that killed seven aid workers including Frankcom.

The IDF said ‌there was "no ⁠reasonable suspicion of criminal misconduct that would justify the opening of a criminal investigation".

"Australia is outraged the Israeli Government has decided not to pursue criminal proceedings against those responsible for killing Zomi Frankcom and her World Central Kitchen colleagues," Wong said.

"The Australian Government learned of Israel’s decision late last night, moments before it was announced, on World Humanitarian Day — which is especially insulting to Zomi’s loved ones, humanitarians and all Australians."

The minister said the response from the IDF was "far short" of accountability she expected.

"Zomi represented the best of Australia. Her courage deserves to be celebrated. Her family deserves justice," she said.

“This is despite Israel Defense Forces admissions that the IDF strikes on Zomi and her colleagues’ vehicles were the result of serious failures to follow IDF procedures, mistaken identification and errors in decision-making.

"This was confirmed by Special Adviser Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin's report.