Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, along with counterparts from 23 other nations and the European Union, made a joint statement declaring that “famine is unfolding before our eyes.” This collective appeal primarily seeks to persuade Israel to reconsider the strict new registration rules impacting foreign aid organizations.

The conflict erupted following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, where militants captured 251 individuals and approximately 1,200 people, mainly civilians, were killed.

Israel’s combined air and ground offensives have resulted in widespread displacement within Gaza, extensive destruction, the brink of famine, and, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the death of over 61,400 Palestinians.

In their statement, the foreign ministers expressed gratitude towards the US, Qatar, and Egypt for their mediating roles and called for “a ceasefire to end the conflict, the release of hostages, and unobstructed aid entry into Gaza by land.”