Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered his strongest criticism yet of Israel’s handling of the war in Gaza, calling the denial of humanitarian aid “indefensible” as the region suffers under a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
In a statement issued yesterday afternoon, Albanese expressed alarm over the deepening suffering in Gaza, where more than 115 Palestinians have reportedly starved to death and up to 80,000 have been killed since the war began in October 2023, following Hamas’ attack on Israel.
“Every innocent life matters. Every Israeli. Every Palestinian,” Albanese stated. “Tens of thousands of civilians are dead. Children are starving.”
The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has come under international condemnation for blocking aid shipments and for military strikes that have killed civilians waiting for food and water.
“Israel’s denial of aid and the killing of civilians, including children seeking food and water, cannot be defended or ignored,” Albanese added.
He urged Israel to immediately allow the United Nations and NGOs to operate freely in Gaza and deliver lifesaving assistance.
Despite his condemnation, Albanese stopped short of recognising Palestine as a state—something French President Emmanuel Macron recently pledged to do at the UN General Assembly in September.
Instead, the Australian leader reiterated his government’s support for a two-state solution and called for the abandonment of any plans to permanently displace the Palestinian population.
“Australia is committed to a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and safety, within secure and internationally recognised borders,” he said. “Until then, every effort must be made to protect innocent life.”
The comments follow mounting calls from Australian civil society, religious leaders, and lawmakers urging the government to take a firmer stance against the humanitarian toll in Gaza.
