Australia, Canada condemn Israel's 'systematic' Gaza aid blockade
Israel is facing mounting accusations of using starvation and aid obstruction as weapons of war in Gaza, as pressure builds over the killing of civilians seeking food
Australia and Canada released statements on 25 July accusing Israel of systematically obstructing humanitarian aid and engineering deadly conditions for civilians in Gaza, where thousands are starving, and Palestinian aid seekers have been killed while attempting to access food and water.
“Every Israeli. Every Palestinian. This conflict has stolen far too many innocent lives,” Albanese said in a statement. “Tens of thousands of civilians are dead, children are starving.”
He added, “Gaza is in the grip of 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 called on Tel Aviv to “comply immediately with its obligations under international law,” including unimpeded access for the UN and NGOs.
His statement followed repeated reports of mass killings at aid distribution sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an entity created by Israel and backed by the US to bypass UN aid mechanisms.
Since the foundation's launch in May, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed at GHF sites, labeled “aid traps” by more than 170 NGOs and condemned by UN officials.
From March to May, Israel blocked all aid deliveries following the collapse of a temporary ceasefire, while maintaining live fire policies and harsh access restrictions at GHF distribution points.
Israeli officials have attempted to deflect blame by accusing Hamas of exploiting the crisis, claiming the GHF mechanism is designed to prevent diversion of supplies.
On Thursday night, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned Israel’s handling of the crisis and accused it of violating international law.
“Israel’s control of aid distribution must be replaced by comprehensive provision of humanitarian assistance led by international organizations,” Carney said, adding that Canadian-funded aid “has been blocked from delivery to starving civilians.”
He said Ottawa would intensify diplomatic efforts through its foreign minister’s participation at the upcoming UN conference on a two-state solution.
The same day, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September.
Israel and the US heavily denounced Macron’s announcement, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it a “reward for terror,” while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling it “a slap in the face” to those killed on 7 October.