We will continue to articulate a principled position. We have done so all the way through. We recognise that what occurred on 7 October was horrific. We recognise that Hamas is an organisation which is dedicated to the destruction of the State of Israel. We recognise that they are still holding hostages. Similarly, we recognise that, in affirming Israel’s right to defend itself, we also emphasise the importance of international law.
Senator STEELE-JOHN (Western Australia) (14:17): My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong. Over 11,000 civilians have been killed in the bombing and invasion of Gaza, including 4,000 children. The government said it’s concerned by the number of deaths but, clearly, not enough to stop backing the invasion. It has been shared with me that the so-called humanitarian pauses are not allowing ambulances to collect victims and are calling on the government to stop using the offensive language of ‘humanitarian pause’ when there is no such thing in place. These so-called corridors cover one section of the Gaza Strip, but the streets around them are being described to me as killing fields. Foreign Minister, how many more children and innocent civilians must die before Labor will join France and the rest of the world in calling for a ceasefire?
Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:18): Senator Steele-John, as the government of Australia we seek to walk a path which reflects Australia’s interests and which reflects our principal position and our views. This government, this country, has a longstanding position of recognising and supporting the right of the state of Israel to exist. I appreciate that may not be your view, but that is our view.
Senator Steele-John: That is outrageous!
The PRESIDENT: Order!
Senator Steele-John: I have never suggested anything—
The PRESIDENT: Order!
Senator WONG: Senator, if you want the opportunity to reflect that—I’m reflecting on the motion that you voted against.
Senator Steele-John: You know what you say is outrageous.
The PRESIDENT: Order!
Senator WONG: Well, you voted against the motion. I would also say this. We have also taken the view that international humanitarian law is a set of legal principles that Australia supports, and we make no apologies for articulating the importance of the application of international humanitarian law. And you have heard me say that from day one. You’ve heard me say that from day one. Frankly, some people have been critical of that, but I think it’s a principle that Australia should always cleave to that we call for protection of civilians and the observance of international humanitarian law. In fact, the motion that was passed with the votes of most in this chamber called for that.
In relation to humanitarian pauses, I’d refer you to my comments yesterday, which were that they are an important and necessary first step, but I acknowledged they are not enough. And, of course, the international community, regardless of our perspective on the Middle East, would want to see— (Time expired)
The PRESIDENT: Senator Steele-John, first supplementary.
Senator STEELE-JOHN (Western Australia) (14:20): Minister, it has been shared with me that mothers such as the mother of three, Suha, have been waiting as long as 36 hours for an ambulance. In this case, that mother’s 10-year-old child, murdered by the IDF, is decomposing in her house, where her other three children wait with her. Minister, are you aware that people are dying on the way to these so-called safe corridors and that ambulances are unable to retrieve dead bodies from the houses of family members? (Time expired)
Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:21): I am aware, and we are all aware, that there is a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. I’ve said that.
Senator Shoebridge interjecting—
Senator WONG: Well, I’ll take the interjection from Senator Shoebridge. I just would remind you: we are not a party to this conflict. Our role—
Senator Shoebridge interjecting—
The PRESIDENT: Senator Shoebridge, this is Senator Steele-John’s question. The minister is answering. I ask you to listen in respectful silence.
Senator WONG: We will continue to articulate a principled position. We have done so all the way through. We recognise that what occurred on 7 October was horrific. We recognise that Hamas is an organisation which is dedicated to the destruction of the State of Israel. We recognise that they are still holding hostages. Similarly, we recognise that, in affirming Israel’s right to defend itself, we also emphasise the importance of international law. (Time expired)
The PRESIDENT: Senator Steele-John, second supplementary?
Senator STEELE-JOHN (Western Australia) (14:22): Minister, on Sunday on Insiders, you said, ‘We call on Israel to cease attacking of hospitals.’ Now that the government has finally recognised the reality that the State of Israel is in flagrant violation of international law and is not respecting the sanctity of medical facilities, will you finally call out these actions as the war crimes that they are?
Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:22): As I said yesterday, under international law, hospitals, patients, medical facilities and medical practitioners have certain protections.
Senator Steele-John: And the State of Israel is not respecting those.
Senator WONG: Well, you may decide that you want to make those sorts of assertions. That is not the role of the Australian foreign minister, and I don’t propose to.
Honourable senators interjecting—
The PRESIDENT: Order! Minister, please continue.
Senator WONG: I would have thought some of the events that we have seen might lead you to a slightly more moderate tone, Senator.
Honourable senators interjecting—
Senator WONG: In Australia.
Honourable senators interjecting—
The PRESIDENT: Order across the chamber! Minister, please resume your seat. Senator Steele-John, you’ve asked your question. The minister is answering. I will again say—
Senator Steele-John: Not really.
The PRESIDENT: Senator Steele-John, you’re not in an argument with me or a debate. I’m calling for respectful silence. Minister, please continue.
Senator WONG: I articulated the government’s position yesterday in an interview, and I expressed the view about the position of medical facilities, patients and hospitals and the importance of international law being observed. I said what I said and I stand by it. (Time expired)