Feb 11 • 04:00 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

PM tells Isaac Herzog Australia wants transparency over Zomi Frankcom’s death as pair meet in Canberra

Australian PM Anthony Albanese has demanded transparency regarding the death of aid worker Zomi Frankcom, killed in Gaza, during a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

During a meeting in Canberra, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for transparency in the investigation surrounding the death of aid worker Zomi Frankcom, who was killed by an Israeli Defense Forces strike in Gaza. Albanese urged for any appropriate criminal charges and expressed Australia's commitment to ensuring accountability over the incident. This reflects growing concerns among some segments of the Australian public and government regarding the conduct of the Israeli military operations in Gaza.

President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia was marked by protests against the Israeli actions in Gaza and the rising Palestinian civilian death toll. While Herzog acknowledged Australia’s concerns, he emphasized Israel's commitment to working with Australia to confront and combat antisemitism. This meeting was not only pivotal in addressing bilateral concerns but also in navigating the complex issues of public sentiment towards Israel's policies in the Palestinian territories, especially in light of domestic protests surrounding the visit.

The Australian government also expressed alarm over Israel's plans to expand settlements in the West Bank, which the foreign affairs department labeled as illegal. The meeting was indicative of a broader diplomatic balancing act for Australia, which aims to maintain strong ties with Israel while also considering the implications of its policies on human rights and international law. As protests continued outside Parliament House, the meeting highlighted the necessity of addressing both governmental and civil society perspectives on the conflict.

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