August 8, 2025 — Canberra:
- Firm warning: Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged Israel “not to go down this path” after its security cabinet approved a plan to take military control of Gaza City.
- Humanitarian risk: Wong said the move would “only worsen the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza,” where millions already face shortages of food, medicine, and shelter.
- Legal violation: She stressed that “permanent forced displacement is a violation of international law.”
- Ceasefire demand: Australia continues to call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire.
- Hostage release: The government insists on the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas.
- Aid access: Canberra is pushing for unimpeded humanitarian aid into Gaza.
- Two-state vision: Wong reaffirmed Australia’s support for a two-state solution as the only path to lasting peace.
- Editorial note: While Australia openly names Hamas, it — like many Western nations — avoids holding the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) accountable for actions condemned by global rights groups as war crimes. This selective criticism reflects ongoing double standards in the West’s human rights approach.
