Wong urges civilian protection as Gaza attacks increase
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has urged protection for civilians in the Middle East as Israel intensifies its operations in Gaza.
Penny Wong Photo: X
Israel’s defence force has declared it has entered a “second phase” of operations against Hamas, which is listed as a terrorist organisation by the Australian government.
Human rights organisations have said civil order was breaking down in Gaza, with thousands of residents in the region breaking into warehouses and distribution centres for food and other items.
Senator Wong said she remained concerned the conflict could spill over into other areas of the Middle East.
“Obviously, if there is spillover, that matters to civilians in the region, it matters to countries of the region. I would also say to Israel it matters to Israeli security,” she told ABC Radio on Monday.
“How Israel conducts this war matters, it has a right to defend itself, but the way it does so matters, and we call for the protection of civilian lives.”
AAP
Butt out, Penny Wong. Who are you to advise Israel on anything pertaining to this war, not started by Israel, nor sought by Israel. Butt out.