Anthony Albanese has issued a blistering attack on Israel, declaring its actions in Gaza “cannot be defended or ignored” and demanding Benjamin Netanyahu’s government agree to a ceasefire before hostages are released. 

In his strongest ever statement on Israel’s conflict with Hamas, Mr Albanese demanded Benjamin Netanyahu’s government agree to a ceasefire before hostages are released and called for the creation of a Palestinian state. 

“The situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world’s worst fears… every effort must be made here and now to safeguard innocent life and end the suffering and starvation of the people of Gaza,” he said.

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