Australia appoints former military chief to lead probe into Gaza aid worker deaths
The Australian federal government has named a former military chief to lead the probe into the death of seven aid workers following a military airstrike in Gaza, Israel last week.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong appointed Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, a retired defence force chief, to serve as a special adviser to the Israeli military while investigations are being made.
One of the victims of the airstrike was Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom, an Australian volunteer who was part of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid convoy.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has already dismissed two officers responsible for the airstrike, admitting that they had violated the military’s rules of engagement.
However, many in the international community are not convinced by the Israeli government’s actions. One of those vocal in their scepticism is Foreign Minister Wong.
In her appointment of Binskin as a special adviser, Wong did not mince her words about what the federal government expects.
“Australia has made clear to the Israeli government our expectation and trust that this engagement will be facilitated,” she said.
“The Australian government has been clear that we expect full accountability for these deaths.”
Probe on WCK aid convoy deaths
Air Chief Marshal Binskin had been part of the Australian military for four decades. Before becoming special adviser, he served as chief of the Australian Defence Force from 2014 to 2018.
In his current capacity, Binskin is expected to advise the federal government whether further representations or actions could be taken concerning the airstrike deaths, as well as ensure that all measures are taken to hold those responsible to account.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he expects the Israeli government to cooperate with Australia during the investigations.
“We want [Binskin] to have full access, and we expect that from the Israeli government and the Israeli defence force,” he said.
Prime Minister Albanese also expressed his concern regarding details of the incident.
"The circumstances around this, where you had three vehicles that were clearly marked as being providing support and aid for desperate people in Gaza, and you had a strike on one of the vehicles, you had people then flee to a second vehicle that then had a strike on that vehicle, and then somehow people got to a third vehicle that was then hit as well so that all of these aid workers were killed,” he said.
The Prime Minister called the situation “completely unacceptable”, and that Australians are outraged by what happened and demand full accountability.
Albanese said the Australian government would await the report from Air Chief Marshal Binskin before they decide whether further action was necessary.
IDF airstrike mishap
Earlier this month, the World Central Kitchen announced that seven of its workers were killed following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. The victims had just finished delivering 100 tins of food aid to a warehouse in Deir al-Balah when they were struck.
The group said the convoy had two armoured cars with the WCK’s logos on them. Its members had also coordinated their movements with the Israeli military in advance.
In a video statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that the IDF had conducted an “unintended strike”.
“Unfortunately, in the past day there was a tragic event in which our forces unintentionally harmed non-combatants in the Gaza Strip,” Netanyahu said.
“This happens in war. We are conducting a thorough inquiry and are in contact with the governments. We will do everything to prevent a recurrence.”
Members of the international community quickly condemned the killing of the WCK workers, including Australia, Poland, the UK, and the United States. World governments have once again called for an immediate ceasefire between the Israeli military and Hamas forces.