Australia warns Israel against military takeover of Gaza

Benjamin Netanyahu
Reuters

Australia has warned Israel against taking full military control of Gaza, saying the move would worsen the humanitarian crisis and breach international law.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged Israel “not to go down this path” after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed plans to seize Gaza City, approved by Israel’s security cabinet on Friday.

“Permanent forced displacement is a violation of international law,” Wong said in a statement, calling instead for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, and the return of hostages taken by Hamas in October 2023.

Wong reiterated Australia’s support for a two-state solution, calling it “the only pathway to secure an enduring peace – a Palestinian state and the State of Israel, living side-by-side in peace and security within internationally-recognised borders.”

Australia has not formally recognised Palestinian statehood, unlike some of its Western allies including France, Canada and the U.K., but has said a decision would be made “at an appropriate time”.

Netanyahu said in a Fox News interview that Israel intended to assert military control across Gaza and eventually hand over administration to Arab nations, though he did not name which countries might be involved or on what terms.

A statement from his office on Friday confirmed the Israeli Defence Forces would prepare to take control of Gaza City while continuing to provide humanitarian aid outside combat zones.

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