Australia has backed a United Nations draft resolution calling for an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza.
Australia joins more than 150 other countries who also voted for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and to express support for the work of the UN relief agency UNRWA.
Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom were amongst those that supported the motion, which also called for the release of Israeli hostages.
Nine countries voted against the motion, including the United States and Israel.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news with The National Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:
With the adoption of the words “unconditional” and “permanent”, it is currently the strongest language Australia has used with regard to the conflict in Gaza.
The resolution calls on the Israeli government “to abide by its international obligations, respect the privileges and immunities of UNRWA and uphold its responsibility to allow and facilitate full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance in all its forms into and throughout the entire Gaza Strip”.
The ABC reports that Australia’s permanent UN representative, James Larsen, made clear that Australia, despite its support, “does not agree with everything” in the resolutions.
“We join the Security Council in expressing grave concern over legislation adopted by the Israeli Knesset,” he said. “Limiting UNRWA’s operations will only exacerbate an already-terrible humanitarian crisis.”
The votes followed two days of speeches at the United Nations, majority of which called for an end to the war in Palestinian territories which has killed at least 44,805 people, as reported by Reuters.
Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on Listnr today. The Briefing serves up the latest news headlines and a deep dive into a topic affecting you. All in under 20 minutes.