Australia joins call for Gaza ceasefire, ALP pushes for Palestine recognition

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has joined his counterparts from Canada and New Zealand in urging Israel to implement an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The prime ministerial statement released by Albanese, with Canada’s Justin Trudeau and New Zealand’s Christopher Luxon, called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow extra aid into the area, where about 1.5 million Palestinians are sheltering.

The three leaders emphasised they remain committed to a two-state solution as the “only realistic solution” to a lasting peace in the region.

“The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.

“We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of Hamas for the atrocities of October 7 and ongoing acts of terror. Hamas must lay down its arms and release all hostages. We see no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.

“Israel must listen to the concerns of the international community. The protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law. Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas. It must end.

“An immediate ceasefire is needed desperately. Civilians must be protected, and a sustained increase in the flow of assistance throughout Gaza is needed to address the humanitarian situation,” the statement said.

The statement, which came just before the attack on Majdal Sham which killed 12 Israeli children, expressed concern about the escalation of hostilities, condemning the Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv.