Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Shoebridge for the question. As you would know, President, the catastrophic situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world's worst fears. We know that Australians and people around the world are distressed and angry about what is occurring, including the ongoing violence and the deaths of so many innocent civilians, and this is unacceptable. As the Prime Minister said—I think Senator Shoebridge went to this—it is a breach of international law to stop food being delivered, which is the decision that Israel made in March. I would add to that. It is also a breach of decent humanity.

It is the case that Australia is not a central player, but we do add our voice to the calls from the international community. Senator Shoebridge would be aware that as Foreign minister I joined a statement from what was then 27 other countries; since then, others have added themselves to that statement, and that is a good ring. Together with partners, we have called for all parties to abide by international humanitarian law. Together with partners, we have condemned the denial of aid and the killing of civilians. Together with partners, we have been part of the international call for a ceasefire and hostage deal, and we remain unequivocal in our condemnation of Hamas. Also, as you would be aware, we do not provide weapons to Israel and have not for five years since this conflict began. We have sanctioned extremist settler entities and individuals, and we have sanctioned members of the Netanyahu government for the human rights abuses of Palestinians. We have called on Israel to abide by the decisions and findings of the International Court of Justice.