A coalition of Australian charities is intensifying efforts to compel the government to adopt a stronger stance on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Recent polling conducted by YouGov for organisations like Oxfam Australia reveals that around 20% of Australians consider the blockade preventing food, medicine, and water from reaching civilians in Gaza as unjustified. Furthermore, approximately two-thirds of the 1,500 voters surveyed believe that the government should increase its support for the people of Gaza.
Oxfam Australia’s acting chief executive, Dr Chrisanta Muli, emphasised the urgent need for aid, citing that up to 9,000 trucks are queued to enter Gaza, while at least 500 trucks of aid are required daily to meet the humanitarian needs there. The limited aid currently allowed to enter represents a mere trickle amidst a significant crisis.
The dire situation has been called “hell on earth” by ActionAid Australia’s executive director, Michelle Higelin. Recent attacks have exacerbated the crisis, with Israeli airstrikes reportedly resulting in considerable civilian casualties, including families with young children. One tragic instance involved a doctor in Gaza, Alaa al-Najjar, who lost nine of her ten children due to an airstrike near her home.
As hostilities continue, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated calls for a ceasefire and an end to violence, highlighting the tragic loss of innocent lives, especially among children. However, he noted Australia’s limited influence in the region.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has joined international leaders in calling for urgent humanitarian aid to prevent starvation among Gaza’s population. The ongoing conflict has led to over 53,000 Palestinian deaths, predominantly women and children, with significant territory destruction and mass displacement across Gaza.
As the crisis intensifies, there is a growing expectation from the Australian public for their government to assume a leadership role in addressing the humanitarian plight in Gaza and advocating for an end to hostilities.