Every effort must be made to safeguard innocent life and end the suffering and starvation of the people of Gaza, the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement on Friday, describing the situation as a "humanitarian catastrophe."
"Israel’s denial of aid and the killing of civilians, including children, seeking access to water and food cannot be defended or ignored," Albanese said in the statement.
The Australian prime minister stated that his country was “proud to have strongly supported the creation of the modern state of Israel.”
He then noted his country’s bipartisan support for a two-state solution.
“Recognising the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a state of their own has long been a bipartisan position in Australia,” the statement reads. “The reason a two-state solution remains the goal of the international community is because a just and lasting peace depends upon it."
Albanese calls for a two-state solution
“Australia is committed to a future where both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples can live in peace and safety, within secure and internationally-recognised borders.”
Albanese also said that Australia opposed any plans for Palestinian resettlement.
“Any proposals for the permanent forced displacement of the Palestinian population must be abandoned,” the statement noted.
The statement went on to note that Australia condemned “the terror and brutality of Hamas and we reiterate our call for the immediate release of the remaining hostages.
“We continue to support all international efforts to facilitate a ceasefire, recognising that an immediate and permanent ceasefire gives the best hope of bringing hostages home and easing the agony of their loved ones.”
Albanese's statement follows French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that he plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September.
“The urgency today is to end the war in Gaza and to provide aid to the civilian population. Peace is possible,” Albanese said.
Reuters contributed to this report.