Ankara: Australia on Tuesday called on Israel to “abide by its obligations” concerning the Palestinian-besieged enclave of Gaza following a renewed assault on Palestinians by Tel Aviv.
According to Anadolu Agency, Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the need for all parties involved to respect the terms of the Gaza ceasefire and the hostage deal, urging for its full implementation. “All civilians must be protected. All parties must abide by international humanitarian law,” Wong stated on X.
The situation escalated when, within five hours of Israel withdrawing from ceasefire discussions, a fresh assault led to over 322 Palestinians being reported as killed or missing, as per local authorities in Gaza. This breach occurred despite an existing ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group Hamas since January 19, with both sides engaged in talks to extend the ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan.
Wong further implored Hamas to release all hostages “immediately, unconditionally, and with dignity,” while highlighting the lack of humanitarian aid entering Gaza for the past two weeks. She noted, “We join partners, including the UK, Germany, and France, in calling on Israel to abide by its obligations, including to provide basic services and facilitate humanitarian assistance.”
Australia expressed its support for ongoing international efforts to prolong the ceasefire, urging the involved parties to engage sincerely in negotiations aimed at achieving a permanent cessation of hostilities.
Meanwhile, Australian Senator Lidia Thorpe urged the government to “take a strong stance against” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant over accusations of genocide in Gaza. Thorpe criticized the ruling Labor Party, insisting that they must not be complicit and should take action beyond rhetoric. “We need to see real sanctions and consequences, not more empty words,” Thorpe asserted.
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of more than 48,500 Palestinians, primarily women and children, leaving Gaza devastated. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November last year for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.