Australia Credits US for Ceasefire Deal, Jewish Group Thanks Trump

Members of the Australian Jewish community wave Israeli flags during a vigil in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 11, 2023. David Gray/AFP via Getty Images

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says there must be no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.

The leader made the comments as he welcomed news of a ceasefire and hostage release deal brokered by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt.

“Australia has consistently been part of the international call for a ceasefire and release of hostages,” he said in a joint statement with Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

Under the agreement, Israel will withdraw from populated areas of Gaza and will hand over Palestinian prisoners who had been convicted of serious crimes.

Hamas will hand back Israeli hostages, and their remains.

“We urge all parties to respect its terms and safeguard a lasting peace, including ensuring the immediate release of all hostages and unimpeded and sustained increases in humanitarian assistance to all parts of Gaza,” Albanese said.

“Our thoughts are with all the civilians killed, displaced, and taken hostage in this conflict, and the many humanitarian workers who lost their lives in the service of others.”

Albanese said his government continues to support the idea of a two-state solution for Israel and a Palestinian state.

However, he said any Palestinian state must not be run by Hamas or pose a threat to Israel’s peace.

“Australia remains unequivocal in our condemnation of Hamas’ atrocities on 7 Oct, and its ongoing acts of terror. There must be no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza,” he said.

“Any future Palestinian state must not be in a position to threaten Israel’s security.

“We will continue to act in partnership with the international community to support the urgent humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza.”

Minister’s Hopes for Australia

Cabinet minister Murray Watt expressed hope that the ceasefire deal would translate to better social cohesion in Australia.

“I hope all Australians can see the joy on display in Israel and the Palestinian-occupied territories and take that as a sign that people do want to move on in peace,” he told ABC TV.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said he didn’t believe it would be the case.

“I think those who are determined to burn synagogues and menace and threaten and harass the Jewish community here in Australia, I don’t think they will be placated by what’s transpired diplomatically,” he said.

Jewish Group Responds

The Australian Jewish Association (AJA) says there are mixed feelings about the deal, which it says could not have happened without the support of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump.

“We warmly welcome the release of any innocent Israelis kidnapped by the terrorist organisation Hamas,” AJA CEO Robert Gregory said.

“The international community, including the Albanese government, did nothing constructive to secure their release, and it has taken the re-election of Donald Trump to see progress.”

Gregory said that in order to free the civilian hostages held by Hamas, Israel would need to release dangerous Palestinian murderers from prison, putting Israelis at further risk.

“We have doubts that a terrorist organisation like Hamas will honour the agreement,” he said.

“If and when the hostages have been freed, Israel must resume its mission to destroy Hamas and eliminate anyone who played a role in the Oct. 7 massacre.”

Gregory said there had already been concerns about prominent Gazans renewing calls for Israel’s destruction.

Palestinian Group Responds

The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) described the deal as a “glimmer of hope” but remained critical.

It said the only suitable outcome would be for Australia to support placing Israel under Palestinian control, to impose a two-way arms embargo on Israel, to cease all trade including imports and exports with Israel, to impose immediate sanctions on Israel, to investigate the Israeli military, and to commit to rebuilding Gaza.

“Gaza is an apocalypse zone, the UN estimates it will take 15 years to clear the rubble,” APAN president Nasser Mashni said.

The Children in Gaza group said it welcomed access to be able to support children in the region.

“The race is on to save children facing hunger and disease as the shadow of famine looms,” Save The Children International CEO Inger Ashing said.

The Ceasefire Deal

Phase one of the deal will involve a complete ceasefire, with the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza.

This will happen side-by-side with the first release of Israeli hostages who have been in Hamas captivity since Oct. 7, 2023.

Reports suggest that 33 of an estimated 100 hostages are to be released Jan. 19.

It is unclear how many of the 33 hostages will be alive. Their release will occur in stages over the next five weeks.

The second phase, starting in about six weeks, is anticipated as an end to the war, however, the ceasefire will persist if negotiations take longer.

In the third phase, the last of the remains of hostages murdered in Hamas captivity will be returned.

There is no known number on how many hostages remain alive.

Israel will have to release numerous Palestinian prisoners as part of the exchange.