Anthony Albanese says ‘no starvation’ in Gaza claim is ‘beyond comprehension’

Anthony Albanese says it’s “beyond comprehension” for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his representative in Australia to claim there is no starvation happening in Gaza.

The Prime Minister told his caucus colleagues on Tuesday he was firmly committed to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, saying that was what Australia had always envisaged for the Middle East.

Mr Albanese was prompted in part by photos of starving children in Gaza to issue a strong personal statement on Friday that said the situation had gone beyond the world’s worst fears and called on Israel to comply with international law, including allowing the UN and aid organisations to carry out their work.

Israel allowed more aid into Gaza over the weekend, including via air drops.

Mr Netanyahu has denied claims Palestinians were starving, saying in a video posted to social media, “There is no starvation in Gaza, no policy of starvation in Gaza.”

The message was echoed by Israel’s deputy ambassador to Australia, Amir Meron, who said on Monday the claims were based on “false pictures”.

Mr Albanese referred to both sets of comments when asked about the pathway to Palestinian statehood during a meeting of Labor MPs.

“These claims that there is no starvation in Gaza are beyond comprehension,” he said.

“While there is a caveat on any health information which is provided by Hamas, it is Israel that has prevented journalists from getting in.”

He also referred to the Nelson Mandela quote that things “always seem impossible until it’s done”, in speaking about a peace deal and the reforms needed in Palestine.

“We’re arising out of a crisis,” Mr Albanese said, also referring to the “abominable actions” by Hamas that sparked the current conflict.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley would not be drawn on if she agreed with the Prime Minister’s view on Israel’s denial but said on Tuesday she had been “very distressed” by the images from the war zone.

“It’s a complex situation on the ground. Like everyone, I’m very distressed by the images I’ve seen,” she said.

“I’m pleased to see that aid is flowing further and better into Gaza. I really encourage everyone who sees the situation for the reality it is to remind others that Hamas’ control of the hostages could end the war tomorrow.”

Asked if it would be helpful if foreign journalists were allowed into Gaza to independently verify claims, Ms Ley said there were “complexities about travel and access in a war zone”.

US President Donald Trump also disputed Mr Netanyahu’s denial of starvation in Gaza, telling reporters in Scotland overnight that “those children looked very hungry”.

“You have a lot of starving people,” Mr Trump said.

“We’re going to set up food centres and we’re going to do it in conjunction with some very good people and we’re going to supply funds.

“We can save a lot of people, some of those kids — that’s real starvation.”