Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called on Israel and Iran to de-escalate rising hostilities, urging both sides to prioritise diplomacy over military confrontation.
Her comments follow reports of explosions in Tehran, further intensifying fears of regional instability.
“We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that will further exacerbate tensions,” Wong said.
While acknowledging concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities, she emphasised the importance of diplomatic efforts.
“Iran’s nuclear programme poses a risk to international peace and security, but we urge all parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy,” she said.
Australia Sends $5m Aid for Gaza Medical Relief
Amid the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Australia has launched a new partnership with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to provide urgent medical aid.
The Albanese government will contribute $5 million to the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation, which operates field hospitals inside Gaza. These hospitals have treated over 600,000 patients and carried out more than 22,000 surgeries since the conflict escalated.
Wong reiterated Australia’s long-standing call for unhindered humanitarian access into the Gaza Strip. “Israel must allow aid to enter unhindered,” she said.
“Australia has consistently been part of the international call on Israel to allow a full and immediate resumption of aid into Gaza in line with the binding orders of the International Court of Justice. We repeat that call today.”
She acknowledged the emotional toll the crisis has taken on the Australian public.
“I know so many Australians are distressed by the suffering, and many Australians are frustrated that we have been unable to move the dial on our own,” she said.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ann Aly confirmed that the latest funding package lifts Australia’s total assistance to civilians affected by the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon since October 7, 2023, to over $110 million.
When pressed on the sanctions against Israeli ministers, Wong affirmed Australia’s relationship with Israel, stressing that Canberra values its long-standing relationship with the Israeli people. However, it reiterated disagreement with specific government actions.
“We want that friendship to continue,” she said. “But we disagree with the actions of ministers in relation to the West Bank, and we disagree with the actions of the Netanyahu government in the blockade of aid into Gaza.”
Netanyahu Defends Iran Strikes as Pre-emptive
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended his country’s military operations against Iran, describing them as vital for the country’s survival.“This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat,” he said.
Netanyahu accused Iran of actively pursuing nuclear weapons and claimed that Tehran had recently taken unprecedented steps to weaponise enriched uranium.
“In recent months, Iran has produced enough highly enriched uranium for nine atom bombs,” he said. “This is a clear and present danger to Israel’s very survival.”
He revealed that Israeli forces had struck Iran’s key nuclear enrichment site at Natanz and targeted nuclear scientists and the country’s ballistic missile programme.
“Iran is gearing up to produce tens of thousands of ballistic missiles within three years. Imagine 10,000 tonnes of TNT landing on a country the size of New Jersey,” Netanyahu warned.
Netanyahu Touts U.S.-Israel Alliance
Netanyahu also used the speech to warn of global ramifications if Iran’s nuclear ambitions are not checked.“The increasing range of Iran’s ballistic missiles would bring that nuclear likelihood to the cities of Europe and eventually, to America,” he said.
“Iran calls Israel the small Satan. It calls America the great Satan, and for decades, it’s led millions in chants of death to Israel and death to America.”
He thanked U.S. President Donald Trump during his address, stating, “Long live Israel and long live America. Our action will help make the world a much safer place.”
