The situation in Gaza has spiralled out of control, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling it a “humanitarian catastrophe”.
In a statement, Albanese urged Israel to comply with international law, saying its denial of aid and the killing of civilians seeking water and food “cannot be defended or ignored”.
The Prime Minister’s words are his strongest yet on the suffering in Gaza, which he described as being “in the grip of a humanitarian catastrophe”.
Australia Calls for Action
Albanese’s statement comes as more than 100 aid organisations and human rights groups warn of “mass starvation” spreading in Gaza.
The Australian government has condemned the “terror and brutality” of Hamas and called for the immediate release of remaining hostages, as well as continued support for international efforts towards a ceasefire.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Reports from Gaza reveal a dire situation, with 15 people, including a six-week-old baby! starving to death in 24 hours, according to doctors.
Since Hamas attacked southern Israel in October 2023, at least 101 people, including 80 children, have died from hunger, with most fatalities occurring in recent weeks.
World Health Organization Weighs In
World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the situation as “mass starvation” caused by the blockade, saying it’s “man-made” and “very clear”.
US-Based Aid Fund Under Fire
The Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) has been delivering aid to Gaza since May, but has been accused of being neither impartial nor neutral, bypassing traditional aid channels, including the UN.
Israel’s Response
Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, hit back at Albanese’s statement, saying it was wrong to condemn Israel for defending itself and deflects attention from Hamas.
Australia’s Commitment to a Two-State Solution
Albanese reaffirmed the government’s position for an Israel-Palestinian two-state solution, saying it’s a bipartisan position in Australia.
He committed to a future where both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples can live in peace and safety, within secure and internationally recognised borders.
Criticism from Opposition
Opposition foreign affairs spokesperson Michaelia Cash said Albanese’s statement failed to place any blame on Hamas for delays in aid reaching Gaza.
The Coalition acknowledges the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza but says the right system must be in place to prevent Hamas from intervening in the aid distribution process.