Statement by H.E Robert Hill, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australian to the United Nations, to the Security Council on the Situation in the Gaza Strip and Southern Israel
7 January 2009
Mr President,
Australia is deeply disturbed by the continuing violence in Gaza and southern Israel.
The escalation in the conflict underlines the urgency of diplomatic efforts to find a resolution. Australia supports the actions of the United Nations in seeking to bring about an immediate cease-fire.
Australia continues to believe that a resolution to the current situation must bring a halt to rocket attacks against Israel by Hamas, an end to arms shipments into the Gaza Strip, and the opening of the border crossings into the Gaza Strip.
Furthermore, any diplomatic solution must form part of a longer-term compact involving Israel and Palestine, based on a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian issue.
Australia welcomes the active role of Egypt and France in working towards a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
Mr President,
Australia is gravely concerned by the humanitarian implications of this conflict, and notes that the expansion of the conflict has exacerbated what was already a grave situation in the Gaza Strip.
It is critical that Israel meets its obligations under international humanitarian law to the people of the Gaza Strip, ensuring that they have access to basic goods, food, medical supplies and humanitarian assistance.
Mr President,
Australia welcomes Israel’s announcement that it is establishing improved conditions for aid to flow into the Gaza Strip.
Australia has been a long-time provider of assistance to the Palestinian people, doubling its assistance in 2008 to $45 million. On 1 January 2009, Australian announced an immediate commitment of $5 million in additional assistance to the people of the Gaza Strip.
This assistance will go towards providing emergency food and medical supplies, as well as cash assistance to conflict-affected families. Australian stands ready to provide further assistance as required.