Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, has warned Israel that its plans to occupy Gaza could constitute a breach of international law, urging the Israeli government not to proceed with the operation. In a statement to Guardian Australia, Wong said that permanent forced displacement would be a violation of international law and would worsen the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
The warning comes after Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan for the Israel Defense Forces to take control of Gaza City, a move that would likely displace tens of thousands of Palestinians already suffering from famine. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel intends to remove Hamas from Gaza to ensure its security, but does not want to keep the territory permanently, instead suggesting the establishment of a security perimeter and handing control to Arab forces.
Wong reiterated Australia’s support for a two-state solution as the only pathway to enduring peace, with a Palestinian state and Israel living side-by-side within internationally recognised borders. She also called for an immediate ceasefire, the return of hostages, and unimpeded aid flow. The Australian government is considering recognising a Palestinian state, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese planning to meet Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly next month.
Greens Senator David Shoebridge called the Israeli government’s actions a “red line,” urging the Albanese government to impose sanctions on senior Israeli officials and security forces, similar to those placed on Russia. He argued that “Russian-style sanctions” would halt millions of dollars in trade fuelling the occupation and genocide in Palestine. In contrast, Shadow Foreign Minister Michaelia Cash stated that the operational tactics of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza are a matter for the Israeli government, while calling for an end to the war and the release of hostages.
