Australia has urged Israel not to pursue military control of Gaza, warning that such a move would worsen the humanitarian crisis there.

Axar.az, citing Reuters, reports that Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called forced displacement a violation of international law and reiterated calls for a ceasefire, unimpeded aid access, and the return of hostages taken by Hamas.

Wong emphasized that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. While Australia has not yet recognized Palestinian statehood, it has increasingly criticized Israeli actions amid escalating tensions.

These remarks followed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s announcement of plans to take military control of Gaza City and eventually the entire Gaza Strip, with intentions to hand governance over to unspecified Arab forces.