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

Well, you voted against the motion. I would also say this. We have also taken the view that international humanitarian law is a set of legal principles that Australia supports, and we make no apologies for articulating the importance of the application of international humanitarian law. And you have heard me say that from day one. You've heard me say that from day one. Frankly, some people have been critical of that, but I think it's a principle that Australia should always cleave to that we call for protection of civilians and the observance of international humanitarian law. In fact, the motion that was passed with the votes of most in this chamber called for that.

In relation to humanitarian pauses, I'd refer you to my comments yesterday, which were that they are an important and necessary first step, but I acknowledged they are not enough. And, of course, the international community, regardless of our perspective on the Middle East, would want to see— (Time expired)