Australia did not vote to end the Gaza killing fields

The UN General Assembly resolution called for an immediate, durable, and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities in Gaza. It also "demanded the unhindered provision of essential aid to civilians throughout the Gaza Strip".

Australia was one of a minority of nations that chose to abstain. The Australian government's reason? That the resolution did not recognise Hamas as "the perpetrator of the October 7 attack".

The ICV is furious and dismayed by the government's decision. And no doubt, millions of our fellow Australians horrified and sickened by the mass slaughter in Gaza taking place before our very eyes would feel the same.

The situation in Gaza can only be described as a humanitarian catastrophe. Over 7,400 killed by Israeli bombings including more than 3,000 children and 1,700 women.

Our demands are simple: 1. Call for an immediate ceasefire. 2. Call for unimpeded humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. 3. Substantially increase Australia's current aid commitment. 4. Support the deployment of U.N. peacekeepers for security and stability in the short-term. 5. Support calls for an investigation into the war crimes committed by all sides.