Australia calls for 'steps' towards cease-fire in Gaza

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) – Australia said that "steps" should be taken towards a cease-fire in Gaza amid Israeli attacks on hospitals and deaths of infants.

In an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Sunday, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said while she understood that Hamas is "burrowed into civilian infrastructure," international humanitarian law requires the protection of hospitals.

Palestinian officials and international humanitarian organizations have said three babies have died and dozens more patients are at risk following Israeli strikes at Gaza's largest Al-Shifa Hospital.

“We need steps towards a ceasefire,” she said, adding that it cannot be "one-sided."

"We know that Hamas is still holding hostages, and we know that a ceasefire must be agreed between the parties. But we can also say that Israel should do everything it can to observe international humanitarian law," she added.

Calling for an immediate cease-fire, the World Health Organization Saturday said it has lost communication with its contacts in Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza.

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip – including hospitals, residences, and houses of worship – since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas on Oct. 7.

At least 11,078 Palestinians have been killed, including 4,506 children and 3,027 women.

The Israeli death toll is around 1,200, according to official figures.