Foreign Ministers Unite in Warning to Israel
Australia’s foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, issued a joint statement with ministers from Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and the UK. They warned that Israel’s plans to control Gaza City will worsen the humanitarian crisis. The ministers said, “The plans that the government of Israel has announced risk violating international humanitarian law. Any attempts at annexation or of settlement extension violate international law.” The joint announcement followed Israel’s war cabinet decision to escalate the 22-month conflict.
Australia’s foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong
Statement Highlights Concerns for Civilians and Hostages
The ministers stressed that Israel’s intended ground offensive could put hostages and civilians at greater risk. They declared, “It will aggravate the catastrophic humanitarian situation, endanger the lives of the hostages, and further risk the mass displacement of civilians.” The joint message followed Israel’s move to plan a complete takeover of Gaza City, a step likely to affect around 1 million Palestinians.
Netanyahu’s War Cabinet Approves New Offensive
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet chose to escalate operations in Gaza City, opposing advice from Israeli military leaders. Netanyahu identified five objectives for the campaign: disarming Hamas, returning all hostages, demilitarising Gaza, asserting security control, and creating “an alternative civil administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority.” Netanyahu’s office instructed the Israeli army to “take control of Gaza City while distributing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population outside combat zones.”
Australia, Germany, and Allies Express Legal Concerns
Donald Rothwell, professor of international law at the Australian National University, described Germany’s support for the statement as notable. He remarked, “That the joint statement references ‘annexation of or settlement’ of Gaza clearly reflect a growing concern amongst these countries as to Israel’s ultimate intention towards Gaza.” Rothwell said if Israel annexed or expanded settlements in Gaza, prospects for a Two-State solution would fail.
Humanitarian Risks and International Reactions
The ministers reported that “the worst-case scenario” of mass famine was already taking place in Gaza. They called for the urgent release of hostages and a permanent ceasefire. Their statement read, “Hamas must release all hostages without further delay or precondition and must ensure they are humanely treated and not subject to cruelty and humiliation.” Ministers called on Israel to amend its registration system for international humanitarian organisations, saying, “Their exclusion would be an egregious signal.”
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Germany Suspends Weapon Deliveries, US Holds Position
Germany moved promptly to suspend deliveries of any weapons that could be used in the fighting in Gaza. The US president, Donald Trump, did not oppose Israel’s plan. This stance increased international outrage while drawing attention to the growing divide among Western allies.
Political Solutions and Gaza Governance
Australia and other countries suggested a solution for Gaza that would exclude Hamas leadership. Israel proposed to eventually transfer control to friendly Arab forces opposed to Hamas. The political future of Gaza remains uncertain as diplomatic discussions continue.
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Gaza Under Occupation and International Law Implications
Rothwell stated Israel remains an occupying power under the 1949 Geneva Convention. He noted, “Israel has been acting as an occupation force in most of Gaza in recent months,” making it responsible for providing food, water, and health supplies to Gaza civilians.
Leaders to Meet Amid Crisis
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese planned to discuss the war with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Queenstown.
Humanitarian Access and Aid Challenges
The joint statement urged Israel to guarantee access for humanitarian groups. Ministers emphasised, “We call on the government of Israel to urgently find solutions to amend its recent registration system of international humanitarian organisations, to ensure these vital actors of humanitarian aid can continue their essential work again in line with humanitarian principles to reach the civilians in need in Gaza.”
Conclusion
World leaders called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza. They stressed that humanitarian aid must reach civilians without barriers. The position of Israel’s allies is changing as international outrage grows over the proposed Gaza offensive.
