Australian aid worker killed in Gaza by air strike

An Australian woman is reportedly among a group of aid workers killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza.

According to local media, the woman was working for not-for-profit World Central Kitchen when she and other foreign nationals were killed when their vehicle was struck.

A photo posted on social media shows the body of a woman with an Australian passport placed on her chest.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was “urgently” investigating the reports.

“They are indeed very concerning,” he told ABC Radio on Tuesday.

“I’m very concerned about the loss of life that is occurring in Gaza. My government has supported a sustainable ceasefire.

“We’ve called for the release of hostages and there have been far too many innocent lives, Palestinian and Israeli, lost during the Gaza-Hamas conflict.”

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said it was urgently seeking to confirm the reports.

“These reports are very distressing. We have been clear on the need for civilian lives to be protected in this conflict.

“We have been very clear that we expect humanitarian workers in Gaza to have safe and unimpeded access to do their lifesaving work.

Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces said it is conducting a “thorough review at the highest levels to understand the circumstances of this tragic incident”.

“The IDF makes extensive efforts to enable the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, and has been working closely with WCK (World Central Kitchen) in their vital efforts to provide food and humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.”

The not-for-profit’s website says the organisation provides meals in the wake of natural disasters, crises and humanitarian emergencies around the world.