Oxfam Australia has welcomed a joint statement signed by Prime Minister Albanese and the Prime Ministers of New Zealand and Canada calling for “urgent international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire”, as well as Australia's vote in support of an immediate ceasefire at the UN General Assembly.
The PMs’ statement calls for Israel to respect international law and describes Israeli settlements and settler violence in the West Bank as “serious obstacles to a negotiated two-state solution”.
Oxfam Australia Chief Executive Lyn Morgain said the statement and the successful vote were important steps.
“It is clear that this carnage has gone on for far too long and, as the statement says, 18,000 lives is far too high a price to pay. Civilians, including children, should never be punished for crimes committed by their leaders.
“For months now, Australians in their many thousands have been taking to the streets, signing petitions and actively campaigning for our leaders and government to do what it can to put an end to this senseless humanitarian catastrophe.
“The Prime Minister must continue to do all in his power to ensure this ceasefire happens, and that these issues aren’t forgotten once the fighting ends, so Palestinians have a real chance to live in a sustainable peace in their own state.”
For interviews, contact Lily Partland on 0418 118 687 / lilyp@oxfam.org.au