Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described as “beyond comprehension” claims by Israel that there is no starvation crisis in Gaza. Speaking to the Labor caucus, Albanese criticised comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the deputy Israeli ambassador in Canberra, who said images of starving Palestinians were “false pictures” from a “false campaign” led by Hamas.
Albanese noted that Israel had blocked many journalists from entering Gaza to report on the humanitarian situation. His remarks come as the Australian Greens mount a parliamentary push for the government to impose further sanctions on members of the Israeli government.
Independent Senator David Pocock called for targeted sanctions against Prime Minister Netanyahu, saying “the time for just words is over”. The Australian government has already accused Israel of breaching international law by restricting aid deliveries.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley avoided direct criticism of Israel, describing the situation as “complex” and stating that “the simplest, quickest way is for Hamas to surrender and release the hostages”. In contrast, Coalition Senator James Paterson said Israel had a responsibility to feed the civilian population, warning that the aid blockage was harming Israel’s international standing.
US President Donald Trump also urged Israel to allow “every ounce of food” into Gaza, acknowledging that “real starvation” is occurring. Two leading Israeli human rights organisations, B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights, have accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
