Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Ciccone for his question and I acknowledge his deep interest—along with many others on this side of the chamber and, I think, across this parliament—in Middle East peace. As I have said many times since these awful events unfolded on Saturday, the attack by Hamas was a shocking assault on Israel and on the Jewish people. We unequivocally condemn these attacks. We understand how distressing they are for not only the Australian Jewish community but communities everywhere. We call for the immediate release of hostages. There is no justification for this attack. And we recognise Israel's right to defend itself and to re-establish its security.

As I said earlier today, Hamas is a terrorist group that rules Gaza with no regard for the safety and security of the Palestinian people who live there. Hamas's actions have precipitated a devastating situation in Israel and Gaza, and civilians are suffering.

Australia's principled position in all contexts is to call for the protection of civilian lives and the observance of international humanitarian law. Why do we do that? These are principles that protect everybody. This is why we have seen widespread calls across the international community for the protection of civilians.

In response to the rapidly-deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, Australia is providing an initial $10 million in humanitarian assistance, through trusted partners, for civilians affected by the conflict; for water, nutrition, sanitation and hygiene services; and to support medical treatment for the victims of the conflict. We also call for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza and the rapid establishment of a humanitarian corridor. We want to ensure essential humanitarian relief can reach civilians. And, again, we commend the work of many in the international community towards this goal. (Time expired)