Login
iscover
The Australian federal government is deeply concerned about impending Israeli military operations in the overcrowded Palestinian city of Rafah, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
The already densely populated city on the Gaza Strip’s southern border with Egypt, with an initial population around 250,000 people, has reportedly gathered more than 1.3 million people after four months of conflict in the Israel-Hamas War.
The city is expected to see imminent military action as Israeli Defense Forces evacuate the city and attempt to eliminate Hamas militants involved in the killing of more than 1,200 people and taking of 253 hostages in southern Israel on 7 October last year.
“I have very deep concerns about the idea of an Israeli military operation in Rafah,” Prime Minister Albanese said, speaking to 2GB Drive on 12 February.
“This is a place where people who’ve been displaced from their homes, often because their homes don’t exist anymore, have been told to go to be safe.
“Israel must listen to the international community. There are more than a million civilians who are sheltering in and around Rafah. Israel has a responsibility, as a democratic nation to show care in relation to these innocent civilians.”
More than 28,000 people have reportedly been killed in Gaza since Israel launched a military campaign against Hamas militants.
“I have no time for Hamas. I unequivocally oppose the terrorist acts that occurred on October 7. But we cannot have disregard for innocent life,” PM Albanese said.
“I’m very concerned at the consequences for those civilians and also the serious harm that would be caused to Israel’s own interests in terms of its standing with the international community.”
Aerial bombing of Rafah has reportedly already begun and two Israeli-Argentine hostages held captive by Hamas have been freed in a joint operation with the IDF, Israel Police Yamam special forces unit and Shin Bet security service.
“We want all the refugees unconditionally, should be released. We’ve unequivocally opposed the actions that occurred on October 7. We’ve called for every innocent life to matter, whether it be Israeli or Palestinian,” PM Albanese said.
“We’ve called for the two-state solution to be advanced, a political solution, and for the international community to play a role in that. Hostages to be released.
“We need humanitarian support to occur … we can’t have babies and children starving in Gaza. We need to have a humanitarian approach there.
“At the same time as, of course, we have contempt for the values and for the actions of Hamas, who can play no role in the future of the Middle East.”
The Australian federal government recently halted aid funding to international aid organisation United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) after 12 employees were alleged to have taken part in and/or celebrated the 7 October attacks in Israel.
Australia had previously committed $6 million to UNRWA as part of a $22 million humanitarian assistance package earlier this year.
