Albanese Denounces Israel’s Gaza Plan During New Zealand Visit

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, while in New Zealand for annual bilateral talks, sharply criticized Israel’s plan to assume “full military control” of Gaza City, labeling it “completely unacceptable.” The remarks, made on August 10, 2025, came during a wreath-laying ceremony in Queenstown alongside New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, honoring the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) troops who died in past conflicts.

Albanese’s comments responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement of a security cabinet plan to expand military operations in Gaza, including the densely populated Gaza City. The Labor government’s stance reflects growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the local Health Ministry reports 61,300 Palestinian deaths since October 7, 2023, following Hamas’s attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and abducted 251. The ministry, staffed by medical professionals, notes that around half the casualties are women and children, though it does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

During the visit, Albanese and Luxon issued a joint statement with Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, rejecting Israel’s military escalation, citing risks of worsening the humanitarian situation and endangering hostages. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke dismissed the notion that harsh measures against Palestinians are necessary to counter Hamas, calling it a “ridiculous proposition.” Opposition Home Affairs spokesperson Andrew Hastie, however, questioned the feasibility of Israel’s plan, noting Gaza’s history of resisting occupation.

The Australian Labor government, under scrutiny for its foreign policy approach, has joined calls for an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, where 20 Palestinians were reportedly killed seeking aid on August 9, 2025, and 114 adults have died from malnutrition-related causes since June. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles confirmed Australia is not supplying weapons to Israel. While Albanese indicated no new sanctions are planned, having already targeted specific Israeli ministers, the government appears poised to recognize Palestine soon, aligning with allies except the United States.