Anthony Albanese has called for a ceasefire in Israel’s war against Hamas, but says a pause is needed to allow aid to Gaza.
The prime minister didn’t stray too far from the rhetoric of the past when asked at the Australian Institute-Melbourne’s Economic and Social Outlook Conference whether it was time for a ceasefire.
But following an Israeli attack on a densely populated part of Gaza, Albanese said the civilian toll “rightly” caused great fear around the world.
“We said a week ago that it was mandatory to pause to deal with humanitarian considerations and that remains our position,” the Albanian said.
He said Israel had a legal responsibility to “do everything in its power to ensure that innocent civilians do not pay the price for Hamas’ atrocities” and wider consequences.
“The question is also that this war does not spread to other theaters; the consequences for Israel’s security are disastrous,” the Albanian added.
“Israel wants to recognize it in its way of behaving, because the photographs that have been seen from the refugee camp (in Jabalia) will, rightly, cause enormous and massive fear around the world. “
Hamas’ cross-border attack on October 7 killed at least 1,400 other people and another 240 were taken hostage.
Since then, Israel has closed the territory’s borders, introduced a ground attack, and continued bombardment has killed at least 8,700 people.
Albanese said he understood that Hamas’ operations within civilian infrastructure made the Israeli operation difficult, but that “every effort possible” had to be made for civilian life.
His comments came hours after U. S. President Joe Biden called on Israel to suspend its fight for humanitarian aid at a campaign event in Minneapolis.
After weeks of waiting for a phone connection, Albanese spoke Wednesday with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu.
The call came ahead of confirmation that 20 Australians, along with two family members and a permanent resident, had escaped the besieged territory.
The temporary reopening of the Rafah crossing came after a Qatar-brokered settlement between Israel, Hamas and Egypt.
Rafah is the only border crossing between Gaza and Egypt and the only border crossing in Gaza controlled through Israel.
Some 350 foreign passport holders have been granted permission to leave Gaza for the first time since the start of the confrontation between Israel and Hamas.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the organization of 23 other people was met through Australian consular officials who helped them continue their adventure to Cairo. Travel arrangements are being made for them to return home free of charge.
“Not long ago, I spoke with Australia’s ambassador to Egypt, Dr. Axel Wabenhorst. It was about four o’clock in the morning in Cairo and I can tell you that I talked to him and I heard the young people in the background and I said, “Are our young people here?” and he replied “yes, some of the young Australians who have come to Cairo. “Cairo today,” he told reporters in Adelaide.
“They made a seven-hour journey, which was obviously exhausting. I asked about the fitness of all Australians.
“He said other people seemed healthy and were relieved, but we’re making sure that those who want medical care get it. “
Sixty-five other people, a group of Australian citizens, permanent citizens and their family members registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, remain in Gaza.
The head of Australia’s Palestinian Defence Network, Nasser Mashni, said there was “very little hope” for the rest of Gazans.
“There are still 60 Australians in Gaza, but there are more than two million Palestinians held in what can only be described as a slaughterhouse,” he told Sunrise.
“These Palestinians without Western passports can’t faint. “
Meanwhile, more than 15,000 Australians remain in neighbouring Lebanon, despite repeated warnings from the government to leave, fearing the war could escalate into a wider regional conflict.
Lately there are no plans for repatriation flights from Lebanon and other people are being helped through the advertising options available.
“We strongly encourage Australians in Lebanon to leave now,” Watts said.
“We cannot guarantee that Beirut airport will remain open if the conflict spreads to southern Lebanon and the conditions for departure become much more complex. “
Originally published as Anthony Albanese calls for a ceasefire, but reiterates call for a “pause”