The family of Lalzawmi “Zomi” Frankcom, a Melbourne-born humanitarian, is in mourning after the aid worker was tragically killed by an Israeli military airstrike in Gaza.
Amidst the chaos of Central Gaza, where humanitarian aid workers navigate the thin line between life and death, Zomi’s story echoes with resilience, kindness, and an unwavering dedication to serving humanity.
The 43-year-old, along with six other international aid workers, died while carrying out noble deeds under the banner of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) charity.
The devastating incident claimed the lives of people from Poland, the UK, Palestine, and a dual US-Canadian citizen, highlighting the global unity in humanitarian efforts.
“She was a kind, selfless and outstanding human being that has travelled the world helping others in their time of need,” said Zomi’s grief-stricken family.
“She will leave behind a legacy of compassion, bravery and love for all those in her orbit.”
WCK’s Zomi & Chef Oli are in our new Deir al-Balah kitchen where our team is cooking thousands of portions of rice with beef & vegetable stew today. We’re expanding this space so we can increase the amount of meals we produce for families in central Gaza daily. #ChefsForThePeople pic.twitter.com/dSO7GrJSOv
— World Central Kitchen (@WCKitchen) March 25, 2024
The chilling video footage captured the aftermath of the airstrike, showing the sombre reality of humanitarian work in conflict zones.
Despite wearing protective gear adorned with the charity’s emblem, Zomi and her colleagues became unintended victims in a zone meant to be ‘deconflicted’.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog apologised for the air strike while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as a “tragic case” which he vowed to investigate “right to the end”.
“It happens in war… we will do everything so that this thing does not happen again,” Netanyahu said.
In the wake of this tragedy, WCK’s chief executive, Erin Gore, voiced profound dismay, denouncing the attack as an assault not only on their organisation but on the very essence of humanitarianism.
“The love they had for feeding people, the determination they embodied to show that humanity rises above all, and the impact they made in countless lives will forever be remembered and cherished,” Gore said, highlighting the indelible mark left by Zomi and her fellow aid workers.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese minced no words in condemning the attack, branding the assault as “absolutely unacceptable” and demanded “full accountability” for the tragic deaths.
“Aid workers and those doing humanitarian work and indeed all innocent civilians need to be provided with protection,” he said at a press conference.
He reiterated Australia’s steadfast stance in advocating for a sustainable ceasefire and ensuring the delivery of essential humanitarian aid to the beleaguered people of Gaza.
“Australia has had a clear position of supporting a sustainable ceasefire, for some period of time, of calling for humanitarian aid to go to the people of Gaza who are suffering from this deprivation, to make sure that hostages are released as well,” he said.
“Australians want to see a peaceful, long-term political solution. That means justice for Palestinians and a Palestinian state as well as the right for Israel to exist within secure borders.”
As investigations unfold, questions linger about the circumstances leading to the fatal airstrike.
Zomi’s extensive experience in humanitarian aid, including her contributions during the Black Summer bushfires, exemplifies her unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering, whether at home in Australia or in conflict zones abroad.
