Australian Coalition Challenges Albanese's Stance on Israel and Gaza Aid

The Australian Coalition is challenging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's assertion that Israel has "clearly" violated international law by impeding aid delivery to Gaza, demanding the Prime Minister produce the facts to support his claim. Coalition frontbencher Dan Tehan stated that the Prime Minister's accusation was a serious one and should not be made lightly. He emphasized that while Israel is attempting to provide humanitarian relief, Hamas is actively disrupting these efforts, and the Prime Minister's statement has escalated the situation.

The Prime Minister had previously stated that Israel's actions in blocking food deliveries, a decision made in March, constituted a clear breach of international law. Israel had imposed a complete blockade on humanitarian aid for several months, aiming to pressure Hamas into releasing Israeli hostages. This blockade was later partially eased as Israel developed its own aid delivery system, bypassing established UN channels.

International humanitarian organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières, Oxfam, and Save the Children, have warned of impending "mass starvation" in Gaza due to insufficient aid reaching Palestinians. Israel has consistently denied allegations of fueling a hunger crisis, blaming Hamas for weaponizing humanitarian aid. Hamas has denied these claims.

Under international pressure, Israel announced a pause in fighting in some densely populated areas to allow for increased aid drops. However, the Israeli embassy maintains that reports of starvation are a false campaign led by Hamas, arguing that the issue is not a lack of aid entering Gaza but Hamas's control over it.

Mr. Tehan stated that Israel has been trying to provide relief in a way that Hamas cannot capitalize on. He believes that Hamas's continued control in Gaza prevents the desired humanitarian outcome of aid flowing freely. He emphasized that Hamas is the primary obstacle, and if they were removed from the process, the situation would improve. He further stated that Hamas is solely responsible for the current situation.

Liberal Senator Dave Sharma, a former Australian ambassador to Israel, believes the Gazan population should not be "held hostage" to arguments about responsibility for the lack of aid. He acknowledged the evidence of malnutrition and food shortages, emphasizing that the civilian population needs access to food, water, and healthcare. He suggested that Israel should ensure food security to prevent Hamas from using the situation for propaganda purposes.

The Prime Minister has not indicated whether Australia will take further action to pressure Israel. Australia will not immediately recognize a Palestinian state, with the Foreign Minister citing hurdles to a two-state solution. The senator stated that Hamas must be demilitarized and Israeli hostages released before discussions to recognize Palestine could progress.