Nochi Mendel

Nochi Mendel is a former Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reserve officer who ordered the 2024 airstrike that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, including Zomi Frankcom, in Gaza. The incident, which occurred while the aid workers were delivering food, has drawn significant international criticism. A Guardian investigation suggested the workers were targeted under an Israeli military practice of 'guilt by association'. Despite the deadly outcome, a top Israeli military prosecutor recently announced that no criminal proceedings would be pursued for the incident. This decision and Mendel's role have led to criticism from the Greens, who accuse the Australian government of weakness for not halting military exports or imposing new sanctions on Israel. Mendel's actions and the IDF's response remain a focal point of ongoing debate regarding accountability for civilian casualties in conflict zones.