Israel restricting aid in Gaza ‘completely unacceptable’, Albanese says

Anthony Albanese has blasted Israel for keeping a stranglehold on aid entering Gaza despite lifting a months-long blockade last week.

Israeli authorities have said just 495 trucks carrying humanitarian supplies were allowed into Gaza last week — a fraction of what aid groups have said was needed to feed the strip’s starving population.

Fewer than half of the supplies on those trucks have made been collected, according to UN officials.

The Prime Minister on Monday said the continued blockage was “outrageous”.

“Israel’s actions are completely unacceptable,” Mr Albanese told reporters in Canberra on Monday.

“It is outrageous that there be a blockade of food and supplies to people who are in need in Gaza.

“We have made that very clear by signing up to international statements.

“I made it clear in a discussion that I had with the President of Israel, President Herzog in Rome just days ago.

“I made it very clear that Australia finds these actions as completely unacceptable and we find Israel’s excuses and explanations completely untenable and without credibility.”

Some 9000 aid trucks were parked on the Gaza border at reporting.

Israel has said the process has been slow due to inspections and the threat of looting.

But the many, including UN officials, have consistently called on the Israeli government to allow aid to flow freely.

“People are starving,” Mr Albanese said.

“The idea that a democratic state withholds supply is an outrage.

“That is my clear position. That is one I have indicated clearly and directly to the Israeli government.”

He also condemned Hamas, the designated Palestinian terrorist group that sparked the war in Gaza with its October 7 assault on Israel.

“Hamas is a terrorist organisation who should have no role in the future of Gaza or the West Bank,” Mr Albanese said.

“We make clear that hostages should be released immediately. We have consistently and unequivocally opposed what happened on October 7.

“But states which are democratic states, have a responsibility to behave in a way that is consistent with international law and with humanitarian concerns and the whole world is concerned about what has occurred with the blockade and Australia will continue to make clear statements on that.”