The United Nations has called for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza on Tuesday, with 153 members voting in favour of the resolution, 10 voting against and 23 abstaining.
Australia was among those who voted in favour.
Among the countries that voted against included the United States, Israel and Austria. The United Kingdom voted to abstain.
The resolution demands “all parties comply with their obligations under international law” which includes international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians. It also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
However, the resolution is not legally binding.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also called for a “sustainable ceasefire” in Gaza in a joint statement on Wednesday with the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
“Australia, Canada, and New Zealand mourn every Israeli and Palestinian innocent life which has been lost in this conflict and express our condolences to all families and communities affected by the violence,” the statement read.
“We unequivocally condemn Hamas’ terror attacks on Israel on October 7, the appalling loss of life, and the heinous acts of violence perpetrated in those attacks, including sexual violence. We condemn Hamas’ unacceptable treatment of hostages and call for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages.
“We recognise Israel’s right to exist and right to defend itself. In defending itself, Israel must respect international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected. We are alarmed at the diminishing safe space for civilians in Gaza. The price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continuous suffering of all Palestinian civilians.
“There is no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza,” the statement said.
The statement was issued just before the UN General Assembly held an emergency session in New York to vote on a draft resolution calling for the ceasefire.
This comes after the United States previously vetoed a UN resolution on Saturday, saying it had opposed the ceasefire because they believed it would only benefit Hamas.
In October, Australia previously abstained from voting on a call for a humanitarian truce, but the resolution had passed with 120 countries in support.
(SKY NEWS)
