The Australian Government has signalled it would support a Gaza truce extension to allow the release of hostages and to delivery further aid.
Speaking to Guardian Australia, a spokesperson for foreign affairs minister Penny Wong said they continued to “call for all hostages to be released and the protection of civilian lives”.
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The spokesperson said the first extension of the truce was welcomed.
“Australia welcomes the two-day extension to the pause in hostilities in Gaza, and supports further extensions,” the spokesperson said.
“This extension will allow for the release of further hostages and for the delivery of much-needed humanitarian assistance.
“Australia wants to see continued steps towards a sustainable ceasefire, but it cannot be one-sided. This deal represents important progress, but we must ultimately work for a long-term, enduring peace.”
Meanwhile, rallies across Australia continue for the sixth week straight calling for a ceasefire, while pro-Israeli events called for the release of the remaining hostages.
Tens of thousands of people have rallied in major cities and saw speakers including Julian Assange’s father, John Shipton, Australian Palestine Advocacy Network’s Nasser Mashni, Indigenous activist Robbie Thorpe and Palestinian activist Omar Al-Ouf.
Under the original ceasefire agreement, Israel and Hamas negotiated hostages being held in Gaza would be released in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.
After four days of ceasefire, 50 hostages and 150 prisoners were released.