There’s no difference between the Israeli and Palestinian lives lost in the violence between Israel and Hamas, Labor senator Murray Watt said on Oct. 23.
Mr. Watt said every civilian life lost is a tragedy, regardless of which side of the border they come from.
He said although Israel has a right to defend itself, any further civilian deaths must be stopped.
“We condemn Hamas for taking those innocent Israeli lives, and we want to make sure that no more civilians are lost in Palestine in unfair circumstances,” he said.
It comes after the Israeli government formally declared war against the terrorist group Hamas—which controls the Gaza Strip—following a deadly coordinated strike against Israeli civilians that has resulted in 1,400 deaths, according to Israeli forces.
Since then, Israel has launched attacks, including bombing southern cities Rafah and Khan Younis, hours after Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari called on Gaza’s residents to move south for safety.
Mr. Hagari said the country had increased airstrikes across the Gaza Strip to hit targets that would reduce troops’ risk in the next war stage.
Meanwhile, an aid convoy of 14 trucks entered Gaza via the Rafah border to provide 2.3 million civilians with medical supplies. The Australian government is providing an initial $10 million (US$6.32 million) in humanitarian assistance to fund urgent needs like medical support, emergency, water, nutrition, sanitation, and hygiene services.
However, United Nations Aid Chief Martin Griffiths said civilians “need more, much more,” as they barely have anything to eat or drink.
Palestinians Are Paying an ‘Utterly Horrible Price,’ Says Minister
Mr. Watts’s comments come after Labor Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic called to de-escalate the conflict, adding all governments must observe the protection of innocence.“I don’t think it’s in Israel’s interest long term to engage in the occupation of Gaza, and it’s not in Palestine’s interest. We need to recognise there is a humanitarian catastrophe occurring,” Mr. Husic, the country’s first Muslim minister, said.
“I am very mindful of the words of our prime minister in saying that protecting innocent lives is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength.”
Meanwhile, he said Palestinians were “collectively punished“ and paying an “utterly horrible price” for Hamas’s “barbarism.”
A smoke plume erupts during Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Oct. 19, 2023. Said Khatib/AFP via Getty Images
“There is, by no doubt, a requirement and understanding there will be an undertaking by Israel to hold Hamas to account for what happened on Oct. 7 without question,” he told Sky News.
“But again, we’ve seen 1,000 children lose their lives since that time. They’re not Hamas, and there’s got to be a better way to target Hamas.”
He added the collective punishment extended to the cutting of power, food, fuel, water, and medicine to an entire population, having significant consequences.
Entry of supplies to Gaza was cut after Israel imposed a complete siege, leading to people in the territory facing a humanitarian crisis.
Fellow Labor Childhood Education Minister Anne Aly was on board with Mr. Husic, adding it was “difficult to argue” that Palestinians were not collectively punished.
Further, Ms. Aly said Israel could be investigated over whether it had committed war crimes after calls to follow war rules.
Federal Member for Chifley Ed Husic at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas
Israel Should Operate Within the ‘Rules of War’
Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese repeatedly called for protecting innocents but have not accused Israel of collective punishment.Ms. Wong acknowledged calls from around the world, including United States President Joe Biden, for Israel to operate “by the rules of war in its response to Hamas attacks.”
“We have already witnessed a devastating loss of life, and innocent civilians on all sides suffer. Our position, Australia’s consistent position in all contexts, is to call for protecting civilian lives and observing international humanitarian law,” she said.
She added that the government was working with the Israelis, the Egyptians, and the United States to facilitate a humanitarian passage out of Gaza.
“But also there is the broader principle and objective that all countries want, our like-minded partners want, to avoid this situation broadening and escalating,” she said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Albanese is in the United States for an official visit after an invitation from Mr. Biden.
When asked how topical the conflict in Gaza would be during his visit, he said we would no doubt be discussing those issues following the unrest in the Middle East and “atrocities” committed in Israel.
“It will be an essential visit at a turbulent time for the world. But the good thing about Australia and the United States is that the strength of the relationship means it provides stability, security, and comfort with each other that comes from our shared values.”
“Australia and the United States are important partners. We will be having discussions.”
