Sydney, Aug 05 (V7N) – Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has expressed grave concerns over the escalating violence by Israeli forces against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, warning that “there may be no land left to recognise Palestine.”

Speaking in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Tuesday, Wong did not clarify if Australia plans to alter its current policy on formally recognising a Palestinian state. Her remarks came as Sydney witnessed one of its largest anti-Israeli protests, drawing between 200,000 and 300,000 people, condemning Israeli military actions.

The ongoing humanitarian disaster in Gaza, including the deaths of women and children and the blockade of aid, has deeply unsettled the Australian public.

When asked about the possibility of imposing sanctions on Israel in retaliation, Wong stated, “We do not make decisions on sanctions.” However, Australia has already sanctioned two extremist ministers in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government: Itamar Ben-Gavir and Bezalel Smotrich.

Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is reportedly seeking a conversation with Netanyahu to reaffirm support for a two-state solution.

In contrast, Rawan Araf, Executive Director of the Australian Centre for International Justice, urged the Australian government to prioritize halting the arms trade with Israel, impose stricter sanctions, and push for Netanyahu’s referral to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on war crimes charges.

Sources: Al Jazeera, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)

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