‘Completely Unacceptable’: PM Issues Strong Statement on Israel’s Restrictions on Gaza Aid

Last week, Australia joined 22 nations—including Canada, Germany and the UK—in urging full, unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to Members of the Labor Government in the caucus meeting in Canberra, Australia, on May 9, 2025. Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued his strongest criticism yet on Israel’s restrictions on aid entering Gaza, calling the blockade of essential supplies “completely unacceptable.”

Speaking in Canberra on May 26, Albanese said, “It is outrageous that there be a blockade of food and supplies to people who are in need in Gaza.”

He reaffirmed Australia’s support for international condemnation of the restrictions.

“We find Israel’s excuses and explanations completely untenable and without credibility. People are starving, and the idea that a democratic state withholds supply is an outrage.”

UN Sounds Alarm on Humanitarian Issue

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that Palestinians are enduring the “cruellest phase” of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Although Israel has allowed limited aid to enter, only around 130 trucks have made it through in recent days—below the 600 daily trucks the U.N. deems necessary to meet humanitarian needs.

According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, 60 people were killed and 185 wounded in the last 24 hours.

The ministry reports that over 53,800 people have died since Israel launched its military campaign in response to Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, which killed 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken.

Global Pressure Mounts on Israel

Australia joined 22 other nations—including Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom—in calling for full and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.

In a joint statement released last week, the countries criticised Israel’s new aid distribution mechanism, which they say marginalises the U.N. and humanitarian organisations.

“Food, medicines and essential supplies are exhausted. The population faces starvation. Gaza’s people must receive the aid they desperately need,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that additional aid would be delivered soon, following the establishment of a “sterile zone” intended to relocate the Palestinian population—excluding Hamas—for their safety.

Under the proposed plan, a U.S.-supported body called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation would manage aid through secure distribution points.

Domestic Calls for Stronger Action

In Australia, pressure is growing on the Albanese government to take firmer steps. Greens Senator David Shoebridge repeated his demand for the government to terminate military contracts with Israeli arms companies Elbit and Rafael, in protest of Israel’s blockade.

“The clearest way for Labor to show Australia’s condemnation of the abhorrent behaviour of the Netanyahu government would be to cancel the more than $1 billion of weapons contracts signed with Israeli companies,” Shoebridge told The Guardian.

Last week, the Australian Council of Trade Unions also urged the government to consider targeted sanctions aimed at halting military operations and pushing for a permanent ceasefire.