Australia has aligned itself with 22 other nations in condemning Israel for allegedly politicising humanitarian assistance to Gaza and has called for a complete resumption of critical resource delivery to the beleaguered territory. In response to the ongoing crisis, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that a limited quantity of food would be permitted into Gaza after a protracted two-month blockade that had restricted food, fuel, and medical supplies.
Netanyahu’s decision, he stated, stemmed from the recommendations of the Israeli Defence Forces, coinciding with a ramp-up of military operations within Gaza. The United Nations (UN) acknowledged Israel’s approach to resume some aid deliveries but expressed serious concerns regarding the anticipated military action and its implications. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasised that the organisation would not support any initiative that violated international law or humanitarian standards.
Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, has collaborated with her counterparts from several countries, including Belgium, Canada, and the UK, to author a joint statement criticising the blockade and the political manipulation of aid intended for Gaza. They reinforced the necessity for consistent human rights principles to be maintained during conflicts.
The statement articulated that the UN had voiced apprehensions that the proposed aid delivery model would not effectively meet the urgent needs of the population and could endanger both beneficiaries and humanitarian workers. The risk, they argued, lies in intertwining humanitarian assistance with military objectives, which undermines the UN’s role and that of its partners.
Australia and its coalition partners have urged Israel to ensure that aid flows freely into Gaza, where civilians are reportedly facing dire conditions. Their statement called for the immediate full resumption of aid and highlighted the importance of independent and impartial humanitarian operations to alleviate suffering and uphold human dignity.
Furthermore, the joint statement demanded that Hamas release all remaining hostages and allow unfettered humanitarian access. It concluded with a call for a ceasefire and the pursuit of a two-state solution to establish lasting peace in the region. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains acute, and the coalition’s commitment to addressing these urgent needs remains resolute.