Australian humanitarian agencies, in conjunction with the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), have united in condemning the escalating toll of aid worker casualties in Gaza. This collective outcry follows the tragic deaths of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six colleagues from the World Central Kitchen in Gaza earlier this week.

Frankcom’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the numerous humanitarian workers who have lost their lives amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The joint statement issued by the Australian organizations underscores the critical role these aid workers played in addressing the severe food crisis affecting millions of Palestinians, particularly in the Northern region of Gaza where access to aid has been hindered.

In their plea for action, the humanitarian agencies call upon the Australian government to intensify diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. Notably, recent polling data indicates overwhelming support among Australians, with 81 percent in favor of a ceasefire.

Meanwhile, criticism has been directed towards U.S. President Joe Biden for his response to the killings. Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), has branded Biden’s condemnation of Israel’s failure to protect aid workers in Gaza as “empty words”. Roth’s remarks come in light of Biden expressing his “outrage and heartbreak” over the deaths of the seven aid workers. Roth contends that despite such expressions of concern, Biden’s administration continues to provide military aid to Israel.

Roth further asserts that Israel has not done enough to prevent the loss of civilian lives and alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. He highlights the dissonance between Biden’s rhetoric and the ongoing support for Israel, emphasizing the need for tangible action to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.

As the international community grapples with the devastating consequences of the conflict in Gaza, calls for accountability and meaningful intervention grow louder. The tragic deaths of aid workers serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for concerted efforts to bring about a resolution to the crisis and prevent further loss of innocent lives.