Israel complying with law as it fights ‘depraved’ Hamas
Israel is in full compliance with international law as it cuts off critical supplies to Gaza and bombs the territory in its war against Hamas, Ambassador Amir Maimon in Australia says.
Ambassador Amir Maimon Photo: Hilary Wardhaugh
In an address to the National Press Club in Canberra, Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon defended Israel’s efforts to destroy the terror group that launched an attack on Israel on October 7.
Mr Maimon, who lost two relatives in the attack, said he could not imagine the horrors that would change his country forever.
Israel has been accused of collectively punishing Palestinians for the atrocities committed by Hamas, members of which the ambassador described as “depraved monsters”.
“The current situation is in line and full compliance with international law,” he said.
In a statement on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the amount of aid allowed into Gaza was not enough.
Asked if he agreed with Senator Wong’s characterisation, the ambassador said about 30 trucks had been allowed to cross into the Rafah passage in recent days to bring aid into Gaza.
He said the humanitarian situation was fair.
“We do not have any intention to harm innocent Palestinian civilians,” Mr Maimon said.
Humanitarian law dictates civilians and medical personnel should not be targeted during conflict.
The use of weapons and military tactics that cause undue suffering should also be limited.
Asked if Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should visit Israel, Mr Maimon said his country would warmly welcome an Australian official.
The Israeli diplomat said his country would not stop until it had achieved its objectives in deposing Hamas and destroying its military capabilities.
“It’s not about the numbers,” he said.
“I don’t measure the legitimacy by the total of the other side’s fatalities and casualties.”
Mr Maimon said he wanted to see both sides live in peace in the future.
“I do hope that once Hamas (has been) uprooted it will be possible for the Israelis and the Palestinians to build human bridges, to live side by side in peace and security,” he said.
Asked if Israel would launch attacks on Lebanon if Hezbollah followed the path of Hamas, Mr Maimon said his country did not want to open another front despite “provocations” from the militant group along the northern border.
But Israel would protect its citizens and territory if needed, the ambassador said.
More than 220 Israeli hostages remain trapped in Gaza after they were abducted by Hamas, with more than 1400 Israelis killed.
At least 5,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched retaliatory strikes.
Mr Maimon said Israel was working with the international community to get citizens out of Gaza.
Almost 80 Australians remain trapped there.
The ambassador emphasised the displacement of Palestinians – similar to those Israelis who were forced to flee from their homes – was “temporary”.
Asked if a two-state solution was part of the future, Mr Maimon said no Israeli official had stated the contrary.
He urged the international community to support any agreement reached by the two parties.
AAP
Accepting the figure of deaths in Gaza as supplied by the Hamas run Ministry of Health without independent verification is sloppy journalism that is prevalent when reporting on this conflict.