Naima Abu Ful poses for a photo with her 2-year-old malnourished child, Yazan, at their home in the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned Israel’s restriction of humanitarian aid into Gaza, describing it as an “affront to common decency.” His remarks come as Australia joins 29 other nations in a joint statement demanding immediate action to allow aid into the besieged region. The statement emphasizes the severe humanitarian crisis, declaring that “famine is unfolding before our eyes.”
Albanese articulated his concerns during an interview with ABC radio on Wednesday, stating, “The humanitarian suffering in Gaza has reached unimaginable levels.” He asserted that Israel’s actions are not only indefensible but also inconsistent with international law. He highlighted the dire situation, where individuals are dying while trying to access essential food and water, calling it “completely unacceptable” in 2025.
The Israeli government has refuted claims of a food shortage in Gaza, accusing Hamas of diverting aid shipments. Despite this, various international human rights organizations have reported a significant decline in food supplies due to Israel’s ongoing restrictions.
Australia’s Shift in Foreign Policy
Albanese’s comments follow his announcement that Australia will recognize Palestinian statehood during the September 2025 UN General Assembly. This decision aligns Australia with nations such as the UK, France, and Canada, marking a departure from the long-standing stance of the United States, which has historically opposed formal recognition of Palestine.
Despite potential diplomatic repercussions, the White House has refrained from criticizing Australia’s decision. A spokesperson noted that President Donald Trump maintains an open mind regarding the status of Palestine, even as he does not endorse statehood.
Albanese emphasized the vital role the US will play in future peace negotiations, stating, “One of the things that has defined President Trump’s position internationally is that he is an advocate for peace in the Middle East.”
Flinders University international relations expert Jessica Genauer suggested that Australia’s timing—waiting until other significant nations also announced plans to recognize Palestine—would mitigate any negative impact on its relationship with the US. “I don’t think it will be singled out by the US,” Genauer explained.
Domestic Political Reactions
Australia’s decision to recognize Palestine has prompted mixed reactions within the country. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley criticized Albanese, arguing that the prime minister is misplacing priorities. “He’s clearly distracted by what he’s been talking about now for weeks with respect to Palestinian recognition, that is actually not going to make the world a safer place,” she said during an interview on Seven’s Sunrise program. Ley’s coalition has pledged to reverse this recognition if they win the next federal election.
On the other hand, crossbench senator Fatima Payman, who left the Labor Party in 2024 due to disagreements over the government’s stance on the Middle East, welcomed the recognition of Palestinian statehood. She noted, “Symbolism matters, but saving lives matters more. What Australia needs to do next is to ensure that they keep the pressure on Israel.”
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates, the international community’s attention remains focused on the unfolding situation and the responses from both Israel and the Palestinian authorities.
