Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Melbourne for his question. This government and, indeed, this parliament have been very clear from the beginning: we joined together—most of us—to condemn the terrorist attacks of 7 October; we regard Hamas as a terrorist group; we have called upon Hamas to immediately release all hostages; and there is no equivalence between Hamas and Israel.

We said in the motion carried last October that we recognise Israel's right to defend itself, but we also reiterated this parliament's stance that Australia's consistent position in all contexts is to call for the protection of civilian lives and the observance of international law. We have been consistent.

I note as well the impact that has occurred recently in Rafah. We consistently have opposed the ground offensive in Rafah. We expressed our concern about the impact that that would have, given that more than half of Gaza 2.3 million people were sheltering in Rafah and were told to go to Rafah where they would be safe.

We must have a humanitarian ceasefire so that civilian life can be protected. We must have increased humanitarian assistance delivered to Gaza. Every innocent life matters, whether it's Israeli or Palestinian, and my government will consistently support a two-state solution which recognises the right of both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security with prosperity.

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