The conflict in Gaza should end following the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, a senior minister says.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek says the situation between Iran and Israel should not draw attention from that in Gaza.
“We want to see a return of Israeli hostages, absolutely we do,” she told ABC’s Insiders program on Sunday.
“But when you look at the catastrophic consequences of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the humanitarian aid being prevented from entering Gaza and being distributed, the number of deaths we continue to see, I think it’s important.
“Most people see that these two conflicts are related and we need to make sure that we are urging peace in both circumstances.”
Israel’s violence in Gaza restarted after Hamas, a designated terrorist organisation, invaded the nation and killed about 1200 people and abducted 250 others on October 7, 2023.
Israel’s bombardment, aid blockages and military action in Gaza has killed more than 40,000 people and left many more on the brink of starvation.
The situation comes just days after Iran and Israel agreed to a ceasefire in military strikes between the two countries.
The 12-day conflict saw the US bomb Iranian nuclear facilities.
But concern still remains for more than 3000 Australians stranded in Iran.
While thousands have registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for assistance to leave the country, border restrictions and flight path closures have hampered efforts.
Ms Plibersek said work was under way to bring Australians home.
“Australia’s interest in this is predominantly in making sure that Australians who are caught up in this conflict are able to get safely out of Iran,” she said.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said it was important for a ceasefire to hold in the region.
“It is time to be able to shift back towards diplomacy … it’s in the interests of peace for Iran to not have a nuclear weapons capability,” he told Sky News.
“Iran has been in breach of international obligations (on nuclear weapons) and the US strikes were targeted very specifically at the potential of nuclear weapons from Iran, and we are glad that those setbacks have occurred.”
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