Israel ambassador calls IDF strike that killed Australian aid worker a 'reasonable mistake'

Israel's ambassador to Australia has described an Israeli Defense Force strike that killed Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom as a "reasonable mistake," saying the killing was unintentional.

By El Medio Oriente
August 29, 2026
Split-screen image showing two photographs of a young woman with reddish-brown hair, smiling in casual indoor settings.
Zomi Frankcom, the Australian aid worker killed in an Israeli Defense Force strike in Gaza. (The Guardian — World)
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Hillel Newman, Israel's ambassador to Australia, characterized the Israeli Defense Force strike that killed Zomi Frankcom as a "reasonable mistake," saying the killing was unintentional. Newman described Israel as a "robust" democracy in defending the strike.

Separately, the body of Lily Hooper, a missing hiker, has been recovered from the bush in Australia.

A woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted in a Melbourne hotel told the Herald Sun that she is seeking justice. The Herald Sun reported that the woman said she wants to ensure the matter is pursued and to prevent similar incidents from occurring to others.

Israel ambassador calls IDF strike that killed Australian aid worker a 'reasonable mistake' | El Medio Oriente