Australia backs UN resolution for Gaza ceasefire in rare split with US

Published on 13 Dec 2023 2:55:49 PM

Australia Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Wednesday (Dec 13) the country had supported a UN resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza out of concern for civilians in the besieged enclave, in a rare split with close ally the United States.

After dire warnings by U.N. officials over a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza in the two-month long war between Israel and Hamas fighters, the 193-member U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire with 153 countries including Australia voting in favour and 23 abstaining.

Ten countries voted against, including the U.S. and Israel, which argue a ceasefire only benefits Hamas.

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