Australia's prime minister says Oct. 7 will remain 'a day of sorrow'

By Anadolu staff

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday marked Oct. 7 as a day that will forever be associated with sorrow, pointing to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Addressing parliament, Albanese emphasized that his government has consistently advocated for a cease-fire, the release of all hostages, and the protection of civilians affected by the conflict.

"The number of civilians who have lost their lives over the past year is a tragedy of horrific proportions. An estimated 40,000 Palestinians have been killed. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is devastating," he stated, according to an official transcript.

Reaffirming Australia’s support for a two-state solution, Albanese said it remains the only viable route to achieving lasting peace.

"Palestinian people are mourning the lives taken from them in the continuing aftermath. So much has been lost, so many loved ones buried. We join all of them in their grief," he said, urging an immediate cease-fire in both Gaza and Lebanon.

Israel has escalated its offensive on the Gaza Strip since Hamas launched its assault on Oct. 7, 2023, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate halt to hostilities.

Since then, nearly 42,000 people, predominantly women and children, have been killed, with over 97,100 others injured, according to local health officials.

The Israeli military campaign has displaced almost the entire population of Gaza, worsening critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies amid the ongoing blockade.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid