Statement by: Ms Yunei Kim, First Secretary, Australian Mission to the UN

As delivered

Chair, one year on from Hamas’ unjustifiable terrorist attack, we reiterate calls for the unconditional release of hostages and condemn their mistreatment by Hamas.

We must see an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and call on parties to agree to the comprehensive deal endorsed by the Security Council.

All parties to conflict must adhere to international humanitarian law.

The killing of civilians as well as health and aid workers in Gaza must stop. They must be protected.

Israel must comply with the binding orders of the ICJ to enable the provision of aid at scale in Gaza.

We are deeply concerned by the descriptions of mistreatment of Palestinian detainees and the unlawful detention of Palestinian minors.

Allegations of death, abuse and ill-treatment must be investigated.

Israel must grant the ICRC to detention facilities.

This devastating crisis has underscored the need for a two-state solution.

Australia asks: how can the international community ensure respect for international humanitarian law, in order to protect civilians, humanitarian personnel, and medical workers?