Australia has declined to join an international statement condemning Israel for demolishing the East Jerusalem headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (Unrwa).
Foreign ministers from 11 countries, including the UK, Canada and France, issued the joint statement on 28 January, expressing concern over Israel’s actions and calling for greater humanitarian access to Gaza in line with international law.
The declaration said current aid levels into Gaza were inadequate and urged Israel to meet its obligations to facilitate assistance to civilians.
Canberra was invited to sign the statement but declined without providing a public explanation, according to a diplomatic source who spoke to AAP.
The decision marks a departure from Australia’s recent pattern of aligning with like-minded nations, particularly the UK, Canada and France, in publicly criticising Israeli actions during the Gaza conflict.
Israel began demolition work on the Unrwa headquarters on 20 January. The Israeli government has long called for the agency to be disbanded and has passed laws restricting its operations, citing allegations that some Unrwa staff were involved in the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023.
The Albanese government has not commented on why Australia chose not to sign the statement.
