Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued his strongest statement yet over the crisis in Gaza. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Anthony Albanese has used his strongest language so far over the conflict in Gaza, issuing a Prime Minister’s statement to declare it a “humanitarian catastrophe” and calling on Israel to comply with international law.
The Opposition has also stated in response that Israel must do more to get aid into Gaza, while stressing that most of the blame should be directed towards terrorist group Hamas.
As the crisis worsens, Mr Albanese has repeated his call for a ceasefire and an end to the aggression.
This statement, however, appears more direct than his previous comments.
“The situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world’s worst fears,” Mr Albanese said.
“The position of the Australian Government is clear: every innocent life matters. Every Israeli. Every Palestinian.
“This conflict has stolen far too many innocent lives. Tens of thousands of civilians are dead, children are starving.
“Gaza is in the grip of a humanitarian catastrophe.
“Israel’s denial of aid and the killing of civilians, including children, seeking access to water and food cannot be defended or ignored.
“We call on Israel to comply immediately with its obligations under international law.
“This includes allowing the United Nations and NGOs to carry out their lifesaving work safely and without hindrance.
“Any proposals for the permanent forced displacement of the Palestinian population must be abandoned.
“Australia condemns the terror and brutality of Hamas and we reiterate our call for the immediate release of the remaining hostages.
“We continue to support all international efforts to facilitate a ceasefire, recognising that an immediate and permanent ceasefire gives the best hope of bringing hostages home and easing the agony of their loved ones.”
The statement comes as France has announced it will formally recognise a Palestine state later this year.
It will be the most powerful European country to recognise Palestine.
The move has angered Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who took to social media to condemn the French decision that “rewards terror” and invites Palestine to “annihilate Israel”.
Mr Albanese’s statement reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to a two-state solution.
“Australia is proud to have strongly supported the creation of the modern state of Israel,” he said.
“Then, as now, the global community envisioned two states: the State of Israel and the State of Palestine.
“Recognising the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a state of their own has long been a bipartisan position in Australia.
“The reason a two-state solution remains the goal of the international community is because a just and lasting peace depends upon it.
“Australia is committed to a future where both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples can live in peace and safety, within secure and internationally recognised borders.
“Until that day, every effort must be made here and now to safeguard innocent life and end the suffering and starvation of the people of Gaza.”
Shadow foreign minister Michaelia Cash responded to the PM’s statement, saying he should have been harsher with his words about Hamas.
But she agreed that Israel could do more to help aid reach Gaza.
“Any moral outrage about the situation in Gaza should be directed at Hamas,” Senator Cash said.
“Hamas and its allies have tried to disrupt the flow of aid into Gaza and have stolen humanitarian aid for their own purposes …
“The Coalition acknowledges that the delay in aid entering Gaza is unacceptable and that the Israeli Government needs to urgently work with international bodies to allow aid to flow freely to those that need it.
“However, the right system must be in place so that it can be distributed without Hamas intervening in the process.”
Original Article published by Chris Johnson on Region Canberra.
