In line with the report from Reuters, Senator Penny Wong criticized Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for his remarks regarding the potential use of starvation as a military tactic against Palestinians.
In a statement shared on her social media platform, Wong expressed Australia's alignment with international condemnation, including from countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. She emphasized that "deliberate starvation of civilians is a war crime," and that there is never any justification for such actions.
Wong’s statement was in response to Smotrich’s controversial comments, in which he suggested that while it might be considered "just and moral" to starve two million people in Gaza until hostages are returned, global realities would not allow it.
Smotrich argued that Israel should maintain control over all aid distribution channels in Gaza, as providing aid could potentially benefit Hamas, which he deemed impractical.
These comments follow Smotrich’s earlier remarks on social media, where he argued that agreeing to a ceasefire or negotiating with Hamas would be akin to surrender.
He urged the Israeli Prime Minister to maintain a firm stance in the conflict and expressed his opposition to releasing prisoners in exchange for a ceasefire. Notably, Smotrich did not address the safety of civilians in Gaza.
International humanitarian law prohibits the use of starvation as a method of warfare, as reflected in Israel’s Manual on the Laws of War, which mandates that civilians must be allowed to leave a besieged area. Furthermore, any blockading force is required to ensure the free passage of humanitarian aid.
The international community has largely echoed Senator Wong's condemnation of Smotrich’s statements. EU spokesperson Joseph Borrell similarly criticized Smotrich’s stance, highlighting that a ceasefire is the only viable option to stop civilian casualties and secure the release of hostages.
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