Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemns Israel for killing innocent civilians in Gaza and calls for ceasefire
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has condemned Israel for the killing of innocent civilians in recent operations in Gaza and repeated calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East.
Her statement via social media came the morning after she was relentlessly heckled by a group of pro-Palestinian protesters during a speech — forcing her at one point to walk off stage.
Senator Wong said Australian officials would convey their concerns to Israel directly.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Australia condemns the killing of innocent civilians by Israel in recent operations in Gaza. The humanitarian situation in northern Gaza is unacceptable. Israel must allow essential supplies to flow,” she said.
“We also support all efforts by our partner countries to ensure humanitarian assistance gets to those in need. Palestinian civilians cannot pay the price for defeating Hamas.
“We repeat our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, protection of civilians and increased humanitarian access.
“Parties must agree to the plan put forward by the US and endorsed by the United Nations Security Council. Delays are costing lives.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin wrote to their Israeli counterparts at the weekend calling on Israel to improve the dire humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory within 30 days.
They wrote that the US was “particularly concerned” that Israel was “halting commercial imports, denying or impeding nearly 90 per cent of humanitarian movements between northern and southern Gaza in September, continuing burdensome and excessive dual-use restrictions, and instituting new vetting and onerous liability and customs requirements for humanitarian staff and shipments”.
On Tuesday night, Senator Wong was addressing the Australian Institute for International Affairs in Hobart when she was repeatedly shouted down.
“What we need right now is leaders that have backbone that are willing to do something that isn’t just talk,” one protester, demanding sanctions on Israel, shouted.
The senior Labor figure responded, “I don’t actually believe, and have never believed, that we gain anything by shouting each other down.”
“You don’t write back,” the heckler replied.
During the speech, Senator Wong said the Government was supporting efforts for long-term peace in the Middle East.
“We condemn Hamas’ terrorism unequivocally. We call for the release of hostages immediately,” she said.
The Foreign Minister also reiterated support for a Palestinian State and criticised Peter Dutton for not acknowledging the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Lebanon.
“I can’t recall a single time over the past year that Mr Dutton has called for the protection of civilians, or for the upholding of international law,” Senator Wong said.
The incident came as the US gave Israel 30-days to allow for more humanitarian assistance to reach Gaza or risk the loss of military aid.
