Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has used some of his strongest language to condemn Israel’s blockade of food into Gaza and attacked the nation’s credibility.
Israel is letting a trickle of humanitarian aid into Gaza after a nearly three-month blockade that strained food and medical supplies.
More than two million people in the strip face starvation and famine.
Mr Albanese branded Israel’s actions “completely unacceptable” and said he raised the issue with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog when they met on the sidelines of the Pope’s inauguration in Rome.
“I made it very clear that Australia finds these actions completely unacceptable and we find Israel’s excuses and explanations completely untenable and without credibility,” he told reporters in Canberra on Monday.
“It’s outrageous that there’d be a blockade of food and supplies to people who are in need in Gaza.
“People are starving and the idea that a democratic state withholds supply is an outrage.”
Mr Albanese reiterated Australia’s support for a ceasefire and for designated terrorist organisation Hamas to return Israeli hostages.
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