UPDATE - Israeli war on Gaza has 'stolen far too many innocent lives,' says Australian premier

UPDATES WITH MORE COMMENTS, CHANGES HEADLINE

By Alperen Aktas and Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - Australia’s premier on Friday doubled down on his call for urgent access to Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid, decrying how Israel’s war on the besieged Palestinian enclave has "stolen far too many innocent lives."

Anthony Albanese said the crisis in the enclave “has gone beyond the world’s worst fears" as "tens of thousands of civilians are dead, children are starving."

“Israel’s denial of aid and the killing of civilians, including children, seeking access to water and food cannot be defended or ignored,” Albanese said in a statement, branding the situation a “humanitarian catastrophe.”

He urged Israel to allow the UN and non-governmental organizations to deliver lifesaving assistance without obstruction and said any plans for permanent forced displacement of Palestinians “must be abandoned.”

Albanese also reaffirmed Australia’s support for a permanent ceasefire and a two-state solution, saying that lasting peace depends on recognizing the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.

“Australia is committed to a future where both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples can live in peace and safety, within secure and internationally-recognized borders,” he said.

Until that is achieved, he said, “every effort must be made here and now to safeguard innocent life and end the suffering and starvation of the people of Gaza.”

Gaza has been under a heavy Israeli blockade and bombardment since October 2023, with tens of thousands killed and humanitarian agencies warning of a deepening famine, with scores of people – including children – already dead from malnutrition and starvation.