Australia has joined more than two dozen nations in calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and condemning Israel for depriving Palestinians of ‘human dignity’.
“The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths.The Israeli government’s aid delivery model is dangerous, fuels instability and deprives Gazans of human dignity,” said the joint statement, signed by Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
“We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food.”
Over 800 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid in Gaza, which the statement describes as “horrifying”.
“The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable. Israel must comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law.”
The statement also condemns the continued detention of hostages by Hamas since 7 October 2023 and says that “the best hope of bringing them home” is through a “negotiated ceasefire”.
The statement has called on Israel to immediately lift restrictions on aid flow and to enable the UN and humanitarian NGOs to provide their lifesaving work in Gaza.
“We are prepared to take further action to support an immediate ceasefire and a political pathway to security and peace for Israelis, Palestinians and the entire region,” said the statement.
Alongside Australia, other statement signatories include the UK, New Zealand, Ireland, France, Canada and the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management.
Greens leader Larissa Waters has welcomed the joint statement and Australia’s signature but calls on the government to do more to help get aid into Gaza. She warns that the Netanyahu government “isn’t listening to stern words”.
“It’s great that the government signed on to a letter, but I’m afraid it’s just we need actual help to people on the ground there,” said Waters.
“We do believe that, and many other international law experts are also of that view, and this is a crime of starvation. This is innocent civilians who are being sent to an early demise, and hospitals are being bombed, the atrocities are unimaginable to many Australians.”
As the 48th Parliament commences on Tuesday, a number of rallies and vigils have been set up to urge the Albanese government to do more to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.