MP urges for humanitarian ceasefire as Gaza conflict reaches tipping point

A Labor MP has joined calls for a humanitarian ceasefire in Israel’s war on Hamas to allow civilians to escape and “get help”.

Frontbencher Ed Husic has joined calls for a humanitarian ceasefire in Israel’s war on Hamas to allow civilians to escape after dozens of Australian’s fled Gaza overnight on Friday.

The Industry and Science Minister expressed deep concerns for the safety of Palestinian families after Israel’s military declared soldiers had made the most significant advance into the region since the conflict began.

“We have called, in times past, in days past, for a humanitarian ceasefire to allow aid and assistance to get through to Gaza,” Mr Husic told ABC Breakfast earlier.

Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu said IDF forces were ‘at the height of battle’ after advancing past the outskirts of Gaza City. Picture: Fadel Senna/AFP.

“What we need to do is to de-escalate, to calm things down and to help those who are innocent and have been deeply affected by those actions in Gaza to be able to get help.”

A border crossing between Gaza and Egypt opened for the second day, allowing more than 300 foreign nationals, including at least 20 Australians, to flee overnight.

Thousands more are waiting to leave the active war zone.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for a “pause” in the fighting during a speech on Thursday, echoing the words used by his US counterpart Joe Biden.

Anthony Albanese stopped short of calling for a ‘ceasefire’. Picture: Aaron Francis/NCA NewsWire.

Mr Husic said the international community was watching the conflict very closely and repeated his concerns that Palestinian civilians were bearing the brunt of Israel’s attack on Hamas.

“Israel’s actions do matter, in terms of the way in which they conduct these military operations, and a lot of us are deeply concerned about the impact not only on innocent Palestinians but particularly kids,” he said.

“There has got to be a better way.”

At least 9061 people have been killed by Israeli strikes on Gaza since October 7, including 3760 children, according to the health ministry in Gaza.

The conflict began on October 7 when Hamas launched an onslaught on southern Israel that killed more than 1400 people and took hundreds of hostages.