Israel restricting aid in Gaza ‘completely unacceptable’, Anthony Albanese says

Anthony Albanese has blasted Israel for keeping a stranglehold on aid entering Gaza despite lifting a months-long blockade last week.

Israeli authorities have said just 495 trucks carrying humanitarian supplies were allowed into Gaza last week — a fraction of what aid groups have said was needed to feed the strip’s starving population.

Fewer than half of the supplies on those trucks have been collected, according to UN officials.

The Prime Minister on Monday said the continued blockage was “outrageous”.

“Israel’s actions are completely unacceptable,” Mr Albanese told reporters in Canberra on Monday.

“It is outrageous that there be a blockade of food and supplies to people who are in need in Gaza.

“We have made that very clear by signing up to international statements.

“I made it clear in a discussion that I had with the President of Israel, President Herzog in Rome just days ago.

“I made it very clear that Australia finds these actions as completely unacceptable and we find Israel’s excuses and explanations completely untenable and without credibility.”

Thousands of trucks packed with food and criticial supplies have been parked on the Gaza border for weeks.

The process has been slow due to inspections and the threat of looting, according to Israel.

Benjamin Netanyahu last week said his government was committed to preventing starvation in Gaza but wanted to ensure aid could not be “looted” by Hamas.

The Israeli Prime Minister said his country’s military would set up secure “distribution points”.

But the plan has drawn ire from UN officials, aid groups and dozens of countries.

Australia was among 23 countries that issued a joint statement saying the “proposed model cannot deliver aid effectively, at the speed and scale required”.

“It places beneficiaries and aid workers at risk, undermines the role and independence of the UN and our trusted partners and links humanitarian aid to political and military objectives,” the statement said.

“Humanitarian aid should never be politicised and Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to any demographic change.”

Mr Albanese repeated the sentiment in his remarks on Monday.

“People are starving,” he said.

“The idea that a democratic state withholds supply is an outrage.

“That is my clear position. That is one I have indicated clearly and directly to the Israeli government.”

He also condemned Hamas, which triggered the war after raiding Israel on October 7, 2023, slaughtering Jewish men, women and children and taking hundreds hostage.

“Hamas is a terrorist organisation who should have no role in the future of Gaza or the West Bank,” Mr Albanese said.

“We make clear that hostages should be released immediately. We have consistently and unequivocally opposed what happened on October 7.

“But states which are democratic states, have a responsibility to behave in a way that is consistent with international law and with humanitarian concerns and the whole world is concerned about what has occurred with the blockade and Australia will continue to make clear statements on that.”