Australia has joined 24 other nations in condemning Israel for the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians seeking humanitarian aid. The joint statement, issued on October 30, 2023, by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her counterparts from the UK, France, and Canada, calls for an urgent lifting of restrictions on food and medical supplies in Gaza. The nations also urged an immediate end to the ongoing conflict.
The statement criticized the Israeli government’s aid delivery model, describing it as “dangerous” and a significant contributor to instability. It highlighted the dire situation faced by civilians in Gaza, stating, “The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths.” The joint declaration condemned the “inhumane killing of civilians, including children,” and noted that over 800 Palestinians had lost their lives while attempting to access aid.
The 25 countries are pressing Israel to increase the flow of humanitarian assistance and allow organizations such as the UN and various charities to operate effectively. Reports from Gaza’s health ministry indicate that at least 85 Palestinians have died while trying to obtain food from various locations, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
International Criticism of Israel’s Aid Policies
Since the breakdown of a ceasefire in January, Israel imposed a humanitarian blockade on Gaza in March, which included a major overhaul of aid delivery processes. Many international observers have criticized the replacement of established NGOs with the US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has raised concerns about the efficacy and impartiality of aid distribution.
According to figures from the UN Human Rights Council, nearly 900 people have been killed in Gaza while seeking food, with 674 of those deaths occurring near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s sites. The recent escalation of violence has seen Israeli tanks moving into the southern and eastern districts of Deir al-Balah, an area previously untouched by conflict. This incursion has sparked speculation that Hamas may be holding hostages in the region.
The joint statement also addressed the increasing violence from Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. It criticized the Israeli proposal to establish a “humanitarian city” in Gaza, which former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert labeled as a “concentration camp.” The nations underscored that permanent forced displacement constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law.
Israel’s Response and Ongoing Ceasefire Negotiations
In a forceful rebuttal, Israel’s foreign ministry dismissed the joint statement as “disconnected from reality.” It attributed the scale of destruction and suffering to Hamas, stating that the group is responsible for the continuation of the conflict since its attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,139 Israelis. The ministry emphasized that over 58,000 Palestinians have died during Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, according to local health reports.
The foreign ministry further criticized the international community for not placing enough pressure on Hamas, arguing that the group is responsible for the suffering experienced by both Israelis and Palestinians. It claimed that Hamas is intentionally escalating tensions and obstructing humanitarian efforts.
Despite ongoing ceasefire talks, a resolution seems elusive. The joint international statement reaffirmed support for those working toward a ceasefire, including the US and Qatar, and expressed readiness to take further action to facilitate a swift truce.
Last month, Australia, alongside the UK and Canada, imposed sanctions on two hardline Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, reflecting the growing international discontent with Israel’s actions in the region. The situation continues to evolve, with humanitarian concerns at the forefront of the global dialogue surrounding the conflict.
