The family of Australian aid worker Zomi Lalzawmi ‘Zomi’ Frankcom is deeply mourning her loss after she was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. Zomi was part of the World Central Kitchen convoy delivering food aid to the people of Gaza when the strike occurred. The family described Zomi as a kind, selfless, and outstanding individual who dedicated her life to helping others in need around the world. They are requesting privacy during this difficult time as they come to terms with their loss.
In addition to Zomi, at least seven other members of the World Central Kitchen were killed in the airstrike in Deir al-Balah, Gaza. Video footage captured the heartbreaking moments as paramedics moved the bodies into a hospital. The organization announced that it would be pausing its operations in Gaza following the tragic incident. The convoy was reportedly hit despite having coordinated movements with the Israel Defense Forces, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the strike.
The Biden administration has communicated directly to Iran that the U.S. was not aware of the plans for the Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus and was not involved in any way. U.S. officials stated that they were informed about the operation in Syria while Israeli planes were in the air but did not know the target. The U.S. confirmed that it had no role in the strike and did not have prior knowledge of it. However, they have not been able to independently confirm the identity of those killed in the strike, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammed Reza Zahedi.
World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore described the airstrike as an attack not only on the organization but on humanitarian efforts in the midst of conflict. The convoy was targeted despite their efforts to coordinate movements with the IDF and had just unloaded over 100 tons of food aid at a warehouse in Deir al-Balah. The organization stated that the members killed in the strike were from various countries, including Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, the U.S., Canada, and Palestine. The IDF announced that a thorough review would be conducted to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The tragic loss of Zomi Frankcom and her fellow aid workers serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by humanitarian organizations operating in conflict zones. Their dedication to providing essential aid to vulnerable populations in Gaza highlights the importance of their work in the midst of violence and instability. The response from the Biden administration and the IDF reflects the complexity and challenges of navigating humanitarian efforts in conflict-affected areas. As the family and colleagues of the fallen aid workers mourn their loss, the international community must continue to support and protect those who risk their lives to deliver essential assistance to those in need.
