Israel-Hamas war: Australia calls for "humanitarian pauses on hostilities"

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said, "We call for humanitarian pauses on hostilities, so food, water, medicine, and other essential assistance can reach people in desperate need, and so civilians can get to safety."

Wong expressed concern about the limited access to aid for Gaza residents, noting that it is "nowhere near enough."

This plea comes after the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported that only eight out of the scheduled 20 aid trucks had entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing.

Wong emphasised the importance of safeguarding innocent Palestinian civilians, asserting that they "should not suffer because of the outrages perpetrated by Hamas". She also highlighted the significance of how Israel exercises its right to defend itself, underscoring its impact on civilians in the region.

In addition, Wong said, "Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people" and that it "undermines the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people." She also called for the protection of civilian lives, acknowledging the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and widespread human suffering.

Australia is taking action in response to the situation by deploying more personnel and an Australian Air Force aircraft to the region as part of "Operation Beech," according to the country's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles.

Marles told CNN that the deployment is a precautionary measure to support contingency options in light of the security situation's potential deterioration.

Two additional military aircraft have been sent to the region, bringing the total to three, accompanied by a significant number of personnel and a small command detachment.

Marles clarified that the Australian forces are not there for operational reasons but are part of a contingency plan to support Australians in the region. "The deployment of Australian aircraft and supporting Defence personnel is a precautionary measure to support whole of Australian Government contingency options due to the risk of the security situation deteriorating further," Marles posted on X.

Marles also acknowledged the "challenging and rapidly evolving" situation in the region and encouraged Australians who wish to leave to take the first available commercial option, CNN reported. (ANI)