Health Minister Mark Butler has described the collapse of ceasefire talks in the Middle East as deeply distressing and urged all parties to return to negotiations to bring an end to the conflict.
Following the withdrawal of both US mediators and Israeli negotiators from talks in Qatar, US special envoy Steve Witkoff blamed Hamas for the breakdown and indicated his team would now explore alternative ways to restore stability.
“This is, again, distressing, disappointing, the position in Gaza, the fact that hostages remain in place there, the terrible humanitarian position for the people of Gaza itself is just unsustainable,” Mr Butler told ABC News Breakfast on Friday morning.
“The suffering has to end. The hostages have to be returned. Innocent civilians in Gaza have to stop being subject to the conditions that they’re subject to right now.”
When asked if Australia should increase its efforts to support peace in the region, Mr Butler described the matter as “delicate” but reiterated the government’s hope for a swift resolution.