We have called for the release of hostages. We have called for humanitarian access. We’ve called for the protection of civilian life. I’ve also said—and I was criticised by some—the self-evidence point that I would have thought all of us would want to see the next steps towards a sustainable ceasefire, but it can’t be one-sided.
Senator THORPE (Victoria) (14:44): While she’s on a roll, my question is for the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister Wong. Reports now suggest that 20,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed and 8,000 of them are children. When do you think is the right time to call for a permanent ceasefire, Minister?
Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:44): Senator Thorpe, I want to start by saying we mourn every life.
Senator Thorpe: Not the deaths in custody!
The PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, you’ve asked your question.
Senator WONG: We have consistently called for the release of hostages. We have consistently, in affirming Israel’s right to defend itself, made clear that our view is Israel should comply with international law and work to protect civilians. And we have said that consistently. We have welcomed the two-day extension to the pause of hostilities in Gaza, and we support the efforts of those—
Senator Thorpe: Point of order on relevance: I asked simply when do you think is the right time to call for a permanent ceasefire?
The PRESIDENT: The minister is being relevant to your question. Senator Wong.
Senator WONG: I again go back to what I was saying, which is we welcome the two-day—
Senator Thorpe: Answer! People are dying while you’re answering.
The PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, you’ve asked your question. I’m asking you to now listen to the answer.
Senator WONG: We welcome the two-day extension to the pause in hostilities and we support efforts to continue extending the pause. I think we would all want to see not only the pause extended but also the hostages being released, as some have been.
What I would say to you, Senator Thorpe, is that we all understand the extent to which this is a divisive, distressing and painful conflict for so many Australians. It’s distressing and painful for members of the Jewish community. It’s distressing and painful for members of the Palestinian community. It’s distressing and painful for many Australians. It is very important, if I may say, that we try and deal with the very strong emotions. (Time expired)
The PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, first supplementary?
Senator THORPE (Victoria) (14:47): What actions are you taking to uphold international humanitarian law and prevent further attacks on innocent civilians?
Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:47): Well, we raise our voice, and our voice has been very clear. We have called for the release of hostages. We have called for humanitarian access. We’ve called for the protection of civilian life. I’ve also said—and I was criticised by some—the self-evidence point that I would have thought all of us would want to see the next steps towards a sustainable ceasefire, but it can’t be one-sided. What we see is progress on each of the calls we have made—the release of hostages, humanitarian access, protection of civilian life and steps towards a sustainable ceasefire. We’ve seen some progress with the arrangements which have been brokered. But, ultimately, what we wanted to do is to work for a long-term enduring peace, which, ultimately, does require a two-state solution with Israelis and Palestinians living securely and prosperously within internationally recognised borders.
The PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, second supplementary?
Senator THORPE (Victoria) (14:48): What traditional aid funding will you supply seeing the Labor government has only provided $25 million when an estimated $1.2 billion is needed?
Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:48): The senator is right: a lot more will be required. When we made our initial humanitarian assistance very early on in the conflict, I made clear at the time that Australia stood ready to work with others and to make further contributions to international efforts to enable the rebuilding of communities, of infrastructure but, most importantly of a peaceful resolution to the dreadful conflict we are seeing.