Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong calls out Israel over Gaza war.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and other foreign affairs ministers have signed a joint statement calling for an end to the war in Gaza, citing concerns over Israel's prosecution of the war and its impact on civilians. The statement focuses on Israel's aid delivery model, which ties aid to military goals and sidelines humanitarian organizations. The Australian government is frustrated with Israel's handling of the conflict and its lack of a coherent plan for post-conflict Gaza.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and 24 other foreign affairs ministers have released a joint statement urging the immediate cessation of the war in Gaza. The statement, signed by representatives from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, highlights concerns over Israel's handling of the conflict and its impact on civilians [1].

The ministers emphasized that the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached "new depths," and criticized Israel's aid delivery model, which they claim is dangerous and fuels instability. They accused Israel of not allowing sufficient aid into Gaza, a charge Israel has repeatedly denied. The statement called for Israel to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law and to lift restrictions on aid [1].

The ministers also condemned Hamas for its role in the conflict, noting that while there is a concrete proposal for a ceasefire, Hamas has refused to accept it. They urged all parties to protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law, and called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire [1].

The statement comes amidst ongoing negotiations and efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to achieve a ceasefire. The ministers expressed their support for these efforts and stated that they are prepared to take further action to support an immediate ceasefire and a political pathway to security and peace for Israelis, Palestinians, and the entire region [1].

The Australian government, along with the other signatories, has expressed frustration with Israel's handling of the conflict and its lack of a coherent plan for post-conflict Gaza. The ministers called on Israel to work with the United Nations and non-governmental organizations to ensure that aid is delivered effectively and safely [1].

References:

[1] https://abcnews.go.com/International/25-countries-sign-statement-calling-end-war-gaza/story?id=123926786
[2] https://www.9news.com.au/world/israel-gaza-update-australian-foreign-minister-penny-wong-and-international-counterparts-call-for-end-to-war/175a4f6a-3cc0-414f-aba7-961327744867