Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged Israel to “immediately” meet its obligations under international law and allow food into Gaza, which he said was in the grip of “a humanitarian catastrophe.”
“This includes allowing the United Nations and NGOs to carry out their lifesaving work safely and without hindrance,” he said in a statement on Friday. “Any proposals for the permanent forced displacement of the Palestinian population must be abandoned.”
Albanese stressed while Australia is proud to have supported the creation of the modern state of Israel, the situation in Gaza has “gone beyond the world’s worst fears” in a conflict that has “stolen far too many innocent lives.”
“Tens of thousands of civilians are dead, children are starving,” he said.
“Israel’s denial of aid and the killing of civilians, including children, seeking access to water and food cannot be defended or ignored.”
His comments add to a growing chorus of criticism, including other Israel-friendly nations, accusing Israel of causing “man-made” mass starvation in the strip.
Israel has denied responsibility and accuses Hamas of “engineering” food shortages.
Turning to Hamas, Albanese condemned “the terror and brutality” of the militant group and reiterated calls for remaining hostages to be released.
He also reaffirmed Australia’s support of ongoing global efforts for a permanent ceasefire in Israel, calling it “the best hope of bringing hostages home.”
