Ten more soldiers killed in Gaza invasion: Israeli army
0023 GMT — Australia backs UN resolution for Gaza ceasefire in rare split with US
Australia has joined the global call for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, breaking ranks with its close ally, the United States. Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that Australia had supported a United Nations (UN) resolution aimed at ending the violence in the besieged Palestinian enclave, citing concerns for the civilian population. The resolution, passed by the 193-member UN General Assembly, received support from 153 countries, with 23 abstaining. However, ten countries, including the US and Israel, voted against the resolution.
Australia has consistently affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself, Wong emphasized during a news conference in Adelaide. And in doing so, we have said that Israel must respect international humanitarian law, ensuring the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals.
The joint statement issued by Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, in addition to the US and Britain, is considered significant due to the five countries’ intelligence alliance known as the Five Eyes. Wong emphasized the importance of like-minded countries standing together and articulating their position. Canada and Australia had abstained from a previous UN resolution in October, while New Zealand voted in favor.
The support for the UN resolution comes after dire warnings from UN officials regarding the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the conflict has been ongoing for two months. The resolution seeks to bring an end to the violence and ease the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants. With Australia’s shift in position and its vocal endorsement of the ceasefire, it further highlights the growing global concern for the situation in Gaza.
The Israeli army announced that ten more soldiers have been killed during the ongoing invasion of Gaza. The conflict has already claimed the lives of numerous soldiers and civilians on both sides, leading to an urgent call for de-escalation by the international community.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire have intensified in recent days, with the UN and world leaders urging an end to the hostilities. The resolution passed by the UN General Assembly emphasizes the need for adherence to international humanitarian law, calling for the protection of civilians and vital infrastructure, such as hospitals.
The situation in Gaza remains precarious, with casualties mounting and essential services severely strained. The UN resolution, supported by Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, seeks to address the dire circumstances faced by the innocent population in Gaza.
While Australia’s backing of the resolution represents a departure from the stance of its traditional ally, the United States, it underlines the nation’s commitment to upholding international humanitarian law and safeguarding the lives of innocent civilians in conflict zones.
As the global community mobilizes to find a peaceful resolution, the urgency for a ceasefire is paramount. The international community has called for an immediate end to the violence and the restoration of calm to Gaza, in the hopes of preventing further loss of life and alleviating the suffering faced by countless civilians.
