Australia has joined 27 other countries in condemning Israel's handling of aid deliveries in Gaza, expressing horror at the deaths of over 800 Palestinians while seeking humanitarian assistance. The joint statement, also signed by the UK and France, described the Israeli government's aid model as 'dangerous' and 'fuelling instability', and called for an immediate ceasefire.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong stated that Donald Trump, as US President, has the 'greatest chance of any political leader' to broker a ceasefire in Gaza. She acknowledged the key role the United States plays in the peace process and noted Trump's advocacy for a ceasefire and hostage deal. Wong added that the government's decision to endorse the statement reflected the distress felt by many Australians over the killings.
The international statement warned that 'the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths' and demanded Israel comply with international humanitarian law. It condemned the 'drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children'. The statement also called for the immediate release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas since October 2023.
Israel's ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, rejected the statement as 'disconnected from reality'. The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, described it as 'disgusting' and said blaming Israel was irrational. Meanwhile, Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke called the bombing of innocent civilians 'indefensible', citing images of children killed and churches bombed.
The joint statement comes amid escalating violence in Gaza, with Israel launching air raids and a ground operation in Deir al-Balah, a key humanitarian hub. The UN World Food Programme reported that most of the 85 Palestinians killed on Sunday were seeking flour from a UN convoy when they were fired upon by Israeli forces.
