Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council Executive Director Dr Colin Rubenstein says any move towards a ceasefire without the release of the hostages in the Gaza Strip would be considered a “victory for Hamas”.
Dr Rubenstein said the Albanese government is “completely out of line” along with significant allies in calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Dr Rubenstein’s remarks follow Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s calls for steps toward a ceasefire in the Middle East, which Jewish organisations have condemned.
“We’re disappointed, we’re disturbed, we really feel our government and Senator Wong impractically, should understand this very basic, I think and undeniable reality,’ Dr Rubenstein told Sky News Australia.
“We’re also very concerned about the claims from the Foreign Minister, her plea that Israel cease attacking of hospitals.
“The hospitals have been turned into a military entity by Hamas and Israel is doing its very, very best to get civilians to go south to safety.”