SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Subjects: Hamas-Israel conflict.

SENATOR GROGAN: My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong. This week the good friend of Israel, United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, said that “protecting Palestinian civilians in Gaza is both a moral responsibility and a strategic imperative.” Can the Minister respond to Secretary Austin’s comments?

PENNY WONG, FOREIGN MINISTER: Thank you president and I thank Senator Grogan for her question. And what I would say on this issue is that the future for both Israelis and Palestinians depends on a just and enduring peace and a two state solution and clearly the status quo is failing all. As I said before in this place, we mourn every innocent life that has been lost in the conflict and express our condolences to all families and communities affected by the violence. We unequivocally condemned the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel on 7 October. The heinous attacks, acts of sexual violence perpetrated in those attacks and reneging on the recent truce arrangements. We call for Hamas to immediately and unconditionally release remaining hostages. We have clearly affirmed Israel's right to defend itself as guaranteed by the UN Charter and we have said in doing so Israel must respect international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, must be protected. More than 60 per cent of residential dwellings in Gaza are reported by the United Nations to be damaged or destroyed. Nearly eight in ten civilians have been displaced. Civilians who fled northern Gaza are now being pushed further south, and as the conflict spreads south, there are increasingly few safe places to go. The world has witnessed a harrowing number of civilian deaths, including children. This must not continue. US Secretary of State Lloyd Austin is an expert on warfare against terrorists from experience fighting ISIS and, like us, is a steadfast friend of Israel. This week he shared his wisdom. He said “if you drive the civilian population into the arms of the enemy you replace a tactical victory with a strategic defeat.”

SENATOR GROGAN: I understand that more than 2,200 previously registered Australians have left Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Including more than 900 Australians and their families who have left Israel on Australian Government assisted-departure flights. And 143 Australians, permanent residents and their families who have left Gaza. Given there have been attempts to misinform Australians about the situation for people trying to leave Gaza, can the Minister explain the facts please?

FOREIGN MINISTER: Thank you to Senator Grogan for the important question. At a time that the government had been working to bring Australia together we see Mr Dutton seeking to inflame tensions and divide people. And making claims which were not correct in relation to those permanent residents and Australians. Let’s be very clear, the Gaza border is controlled by Israeli and Egyptian authorities who put tight limits on who can cross. Meeting requirements for a visa does not mean an entitlement to consular assistance, nor does it mean other authorities will automatically allow people to leave where they are. Gaza border authorities are approving lists submitted by foreign governments, approving foreign nationals and immediately family members. We are prioritising Australian citizens, permanent residents, and immediate family members. And as Mr Dutton knows, all people who attain Australian visas are subject to appropriate security and character checks.

SENATOR GROGAN: Can the Minister update the Senate on efforts to find a pathway out of the conflict? What is the Government doing to support a lasting peace?

FOREIGN MINISTER: Thank you. President, the decision by Hamas to break the recent pause in hostilities was a grave setback. The pause allowed for the release of more than 100 hostages and supported an increase in humanitarian access to effected civilians. Australia wants to see this resumed and we support international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire. As I said in a statement that I made with the French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna earlier this week. We know this can’t be one-sided. Hamas must release all hostages, stop using Palestinian civilians, stop attacks on Israel, and release all hostages. We support President Biden’s five principles for post-conflict Gaza including no forcible displacement of Palestinians or reduction in territory, and no use of Gaza as a platform for terrorism. Assistant Foreign Minister Watts has been asked to travel on behalf of the government to lay the groundwork for deeper Ministerial engagement.

ENDS

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Authorised by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia.