Letter

In response to Open letter to Prime Minister Albanese on the urgent situation in Gaza and the freeze of UNRWA funds

Ceasefire essential, but both side must commit to end hostilities

I think it’s appropriate that the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. But a ceasefire without the release of hostages or a plan for ultimately resolving the Israel Palestine conflict is an empty plea.

The killing of some 26,000 Palestinians in Gaza is an immense tragedy as is the dire situation of the population suffering unimaginable deprivation, as is the devastation of infrastructure in Gaza.

But the context in which this is occurring is an attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023 that killed 1,139 Israelis including 260 young people at a music festival and the taking of 240 hostages back to Gaza.

Hamas has been quite open about their intent to commit attacks like that of 7 October in future.

Therefore, for an effective ceasefire, Hamas needs to buy in to a ceasefire. And unless Hamas is willing to do so, how can there be an effective end to hostilities?

— Harold Zwier from Elsternwick, Victoria