Australia Calls for Ceasefire and Aid Access as Gaza Conflict Reignites

Israeli authorities have halted the entry of essential supplies, including food, medicine, and fuel, affecting 2.1 million people, according to the UN.

People gather at the site of a house hit by a U.S. strike in Saada, Yemen, on March 16, 2025. Naif Rahma/Reuters

As conflict in Gaza reignites, Australian politicians have called on all parties to honour the ceasefire and ensure humanitarian aid can reach those in need.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on March 20 reiterated support for a ceasefire and relief efforts.

“We want to see humanitarian support provided, and we want to see the hostages released,” Albanese told ABC Radio.

“People need access to food, water, and electricity. Innocent civilians should not suffer.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to the media during a press conference in Sydney, Australia on March 12, 2025. AAP Image/Dean Lewins

Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged all sides to respect the ceasefire and abide by international humanitarian law.

“Terrorist group Hamas must release all hostages immediately, unconditionally, and with dignity,” she posted on X. “Palestinian civilians cannot pay the price of defeating Hamas.”

Wong joined UK, German, and French officials in calling on Israel to meet its obligations, including providing basic services and allowing humanitarian aid.

Liberal Senator Dave Sharma supported a return to the ceasefire but insisted Hamas could not remain in power.

“Hamas have basically said they weren’t planning on returning any more hostages—in that situation, the Israeli government does not have many palatable options,” Sharma told ABC TV.

“Military pressure, as crude as it may sound, strengthens their negotiating position.”

Sharma also called for humanitarian aid to continue.

Palestinian medical teams reported over 400 deaths, including children and women, after Israel launched extensive airstrikes on March 18.

The Israeli prime minister’s office said military operations were ordered after Hamas refused to release hostages and rejected a ceasefire deal proposed by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. The Israeli government has vowed to escalate military pressure.

UN Official: Gaza Aid Blocked, Ceasefire Gains Eroding

Tom Fletcher, the under secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, told the U.N. Security Council that the brief ceasefire gains are being undone as humanitarian aid remains blocked.

“Overnight, our worst fears materialised,” Fletcher said, citing unconfirmed reports of hundreds killed on March 17.

Recalling his visit to the region in February, he noted that humanitarian workers had been able to deliver supplies daily under the ceasefire.

“Not anymore,” he stated.

Since March 2, Israeli authorities have halted the entry of essential supplies, including food, medicine, and fuel, affecting 2.1 million people.

Repeated requests to collect aid at the Karem Shalom crossing have been denied. No new hostages have been released, and Israel has cut power to a southern Gaza desalination plant, limiting clean water access for 600,000 people.

Fletcher also highlighted new restrictions, including a Knesset law preventing UNRWA international staff from rotating in and out of Gaza, and proposed legislation to impose high taxes on foreign donations to Israeli humanitarian groups.

Amnesty Australia Calls for Action

Amnesty International Australia urged the Australian government to pressure Israel into halting airstrikes by ending military cooperation.

It also called for support of international legal actions, including potential arrest warrants for Israeli officials.

“The Australian government must pressure Israel to stop indiscriminate bombings, restore humanitarian aid flow, and rebuild Gaza’s healthcare and sanitation infrastructure,” Amnesty stated.