Australia Pushes Israel to Accept UN-Backed Ceasefire

The Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, has strongly condemned the ongoing illegal settlement activity and settler violence in the occupied West Bank. In an official statement issued on Tuesday, she expressed Australia's deep concern over the escalating tension and violence in the region.

Wong stated that "ongoing illegal settlement activity and settler violence undermines the prospects of a just and enduring peace." She also highlighted how these actions are negatively impacting efforts to achieve long-term security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

The top Australian diplomat urged Israel to accept a United Nations Security Council-backed ceasefire deal in Gaza. The Palestinian death toll stands at approximately 41,000 since October last year due to relentless bombing by Tel Aviv following an attack by Hamas.

Despite several attempts made internationally to establish a ceasefire pact in Gaza, all have failed thus far. Wong reiterated her country’s stance during her conversation with Israeli counterpart Israel Katz stating: “Parties must agree to UNSC-backed deal” which aims at protection of civilians, release of hostages, enabling more aid flow into Gaza strip as well as preventing regional escalation.

During phone conversations with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and Jordan last week they agreed on pressing for peace through establishing a cease-fire pact in Gaza as it is considered key towards protecting civilians along with securing hostage release thereby reducing tensions across Middle East region.

Australia is committed towards working alongside influential countries globally towards attaining this peaceful resolution said Wong adding that Canberra had imposed sanctions against Israeli extremists denying visa travel privileges into Australia for anyone identified as extremist settlers.

She emphasized upon two-state solution being the sole approach capable of achieving lasting security plus prosperity for both Israelis along with Palestinians alike. This comes amidst rising concerns regarding aggressive expansionist policies adopted by right-wing elements within Israeli government resulting further instability within already tense region.

In May 2023 B’Tselem – An Israeli human rights group revealed plans formulated under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration aimed at expulsion of Palestinian shepherds and civilians from their own land in West Bank. This was done in coordination with settlers who are illegal, terming it as part of “Israeli apartheid system”.

As per the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission under Palestinian government since October 7th, 2023, Israeli settlers have killed 19 Palestinians besides injuring more than 785 plus displacing around 28 Bedouin communities belonging to Palestinians.

According to estimates released by Israel approximately over 720,000 settlers reside within occupied West Bank inclusive of East Jerusalem across settlements deemed illegal under international law. Wong's remarks underscore Australia's commitment towards upholding human rights standards globally whilst advocating for peaceful resolution amidst escalating tension between Israelis and Palestinians.