Former Australian PM warns that a ceasefire would benefit Hamas.
Australia’s Former Prime Minister Joins Ex-UK Prime Minister on Solidarity Trip to Israel
Australia’s former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has joined ex-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on a solidarity trip to Israel. The leaders toured Israeli towns struck by Hamas on Oct. 7, including Kibbutz Kfar Aza, where Israeli residents were murdered or taken hostage.
While in Israel, Mr. Morrison was asked if he supported Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s position that there would be no ceasefire until all hostages were released.
“I don’t support a ceasefire,” he told Nine News reporters in Israel.
“A ceasefire would simply advantage Hamas to be able to strengthen their positions and make this awful war go on for even longer.”
The Israeli prime minister has made it clear there will not be any ceasefire until Israeli hostages are released.
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“I want you to know there’s one thing that we won’t do, there won’t be a ceasefire without the return of our hostages, take it completely out of the lexicon,” he said during a media conference overnight.
“We say it to our enemies and to our friends, and we’ll simply carry on until we win. We don’t have an alternative”
Mr. Netanyahu had previously told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, “We are continuing full force and that Israel refuses a temporary cease-fire that does not include the return of hostages.”
U.S. President Joe Biden and Mr. Blinken have pushed for a temporary pause in the Israel-Hamas war to help provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.
‘Moral Fog’: Boris Johnson
Meanwhile, former British Prime Minister Johnson has raised concerns about pro-Palestine rallies taking place around the world.
The former leader said he was in Israel to show support and stand in solidarity with Israel after the “worst atrocity, the worst massacre” of the Jewish people since the Second World War.
Since then, Mr. Johnson said a “moral fog” had descended and he wanted to be clear on his position that Israel had a right to defend itself.
“I would say to everybody marching across the world right now, supposedly in support of ‘Free Palestine,’ in fact what they are doing, whether they intend it or not, is condoning the brutality and the murder that was conducted by those Hamas terrorists—and which, by the way, they would do again,” Mr. Johnson said on Channel 12 news in Israel.
“And that is why it is so important that Israel is given the time and the space to do what it needs to do—to catch the murderers and to make sure that they can’t do it again.”
Current Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has yet to visit Israel and is currently in Beijing for a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
However, Mr. Albanese did speak with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu last week.
In a press conference, Mr. Albanese said Israel has a right to defend itself, and that his government wanted to see all innocent lives protected.
The Australian leader said “Every life matters. Every Israeli, every Palestinian,” elaborating that innocent people were impacted in Israel and Palestine.
“We continue to urge for all civilians to be protected, for the international rule of law to be applied,” Mr. Albanese said.
Blinken Travels to Israel and the West Bank
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has travelled to the West Bank, meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
The U.S. leader said he met with President Abbas and affirmed the U.S.’s commitment to the delivery of essential services to Gaza. Mr. Blinken also reaffirmed U.S. support for a two-state solution, and that extremist violence against Palestinians in the West Bank must end.
The secretary also met with King Abdullah II of Jordan and Crown Prince Al Hussein regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict.
“We remain committed to working towards a durable and sustainable peace in the region, including the establishment of a Palestinian state,” Mr. Blinken said.
Mr. Blinken also met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders, reiterating U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
While in Israel, the secretary also met with President Isaac Herzog, Minister Benny Gantz, and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid.
Further, in Iraq, Mr. Blinken met with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, where he had a “candid, important conversation.” This included discussions on how to ensure the conflict in Gaza did not “escalate.”
What role should the international community play in providing humanitarian aid and support to the affected areas, particularly Gaza?
That he expressed Australia’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense and condemned the actions of Hamas. He also emphasized the importance of de-escalation and the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Both Mr. Morrison and Mr. Johnson’s solidarity trip to Israel sends a strong message of support to the Israeli government and the Israeli people in the face of continued hostilities from Hamas. Their presence in the country highlights the importance of standing together against terrorism and defending the right to safety and security.
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, it is crucial for world leaders to engage in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and work towards a ceasefire that addresses the concerns and grievances of both sides. It is also crucial for the international community to provide humanitarian aid and support to the affected areas, particularly Gaza, where civilians are suffering from the consequences of the ongoing violence.
The solidarity trip by former Prime Ministers Morrison and Johnson is a reminder that international collaboration and solidarity are essential in times of crisis. It is through unity and cooperation that we can address the root causes of conflict and work towards a sustainable and peaceful resolution.
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