Tim Ayres (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Industry and Innovation) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—I move an amendment to the motion:

Omit all words after "That, in the opinion of the Senate, the following is a matter of urgency:", substitute:

That Israel's aid blockade, which risks mass death from starvation in Gaza and millions of Palestinians facing catastrophic hunger, is a breach of international law, and that it is critical the Australian Government continue intensifying its efforts including diplomatic and further action to pressure the Israeli Government to open all border crossings and allow the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid.

From the government's perspective, we do want to set out our position in relation to the resolution that's been circulated. Australians are all distressed by the ongoing violence, including the deaths of so many innocent civilians. As the Prime Minister has said, the situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world's worst fears. The position of the Australian government is very clear: every innocent life matters. We reiterate our call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the release of all of the remaining hostages. The government remains unequivocal in our condemnation of Hamas and its ongoing acts of terror.

Gaza is in the grip of a humanitarian catastrophe. Israel's denial of aid and the killing of civilians, including children, seeking access to water and food is indefensible. We call on Israel to comply immediately with its obligations under international law. This includes allowing the United Nations and non-government organisations to carry out their life-saving work safely and without hindrance. On our own, Australia has few ways to move the dial in the Middle East. That's why we have been so focused on partnering with other countries that also want to end this war to deliver life-saving aid, support a two-state solution and uphold international law. It's only by being active in the international community that we can build momentum for peace.

On 29 July, Australia and 14 countries released the document called the 'New York call', demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate release of hostages and unhindered humanitarian access. The joint statement reiterates Australia's commitment to a two-state solution where Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace within secure and recognised borders, consistent with international law. Australia has consistently been part of the international call on Israel to allow a full and immediate resumption of aid to Gaza in line with the binding orders of the International Court of Justice. Together with our partners, we have condemned Israel's denial of aid and the killing of civilians seeking access to water and food. The Prime Minister has said that these actions are indefensible. As he has said, it is a breach of international law to stop food being delivered, which is the decision that Israel made in March. The denial of humanitarian aid and basic services to Palestinian civilians is a violation of international law. Israel must act in accordance with international law. And Australia has been clear that Israel must comply with the binding orders of the International Court of Justice, including to ensure the unhindered provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance at scale in Gaza.

The call released by Australia and 14 countries on 29 July expresses grave concern over the high number of civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. This follows the statement released by Australia and 29 other countries on 21 July which calls on Israel to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid and to urgently enable the UN and NGOs to do their life-saving work safely and effectively. We continue to emphasise to Israel that humanitarian aid should never be politicised. Dire UN reports about starvation of civilians, including children, underline our call. Our humanitarian partners have confirmed that they stand ready to provide immediate and life-saving assistance to the people of Gaza. We condemn the abhorrent and outrageous comments made by members of the Netanyahu government about these people in crisis.