Australian Minister Ed Husic Accuses Israel of Failing to Follow Laws of War

Australian Minister Accuses Israel of Violating Laws of War in Gaza

Canberra, April 7 (IANS) – Australian government minister Ed Husic accused Israel of failing to adhere to the laws of war in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of nearly 200 humanitarian workers. Husic stated that Israel’s actions reflect a systematic failure to differentiate between combatants and civilians, leading to a high number of casualties.

Husic, the minister for industry and science, criticized Israel for its disregard for international humanitarian law, citing the significant number of Palestinian casualties, including children and aid workers. He emphasized the need for Israel to commit to upholding these laws to prevent further loss of life in the region.

Among the victims was Australian citizen Lalzawmi ‘Zomi’ Frankcom, who was killed in Israeli airstrikes along with six colleagues from the World Central Kitchen. The Israel Defense Forces acknowledged the incident as a grave mistake rooted in mistaken identification, prompting Australia to call for an independent investigation.

Australia’s deputy prime minister and minister for defense, Richard Marles, and Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the appointment of an independent special adviser to scrutinize the official investigation into the airstrikes. Husic commended this decision as a crucial step towards ensuring a thorough examination of the events.

Marles and Wong expressed dissatisfaction with Israel’s response to the incident and urged the preservation of all evidence related to the strikes. The Australian government’s call for accountability in light of the tragedy underscores the need for transparency and justice in resolving the conflict in Gaza.

The appointment of an independent adviser signals Australia’s commitment to seeking the truth behind the airstrikes and holding responsible parties accountable for their actions. As tensions persist in the region, the international community looks to uphold the principles of humanitarian law and protect the rights of all individuals affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.