INTERNEWSTIMES.COM
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong will deliver a stark warning at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), calling for international unity amidst a surge of global conflict unseen since World War II.
In her third consecutive address to the UNGA, Senator Wong will paint a grim picture of a world “enshrouded in darkness,” citing ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, Gaza, and now Lebanon. She will emphasize the devastating impact of these conflicts, highlighting the “brutal, degrading conflict ingraining hatred and division” and pushing peace further out of reach.

Senator Wong will argue that the world is failing to uphold the rules and standards agreed upon by member states, hindering progress towards a more peaceful future. “We must remember why we built this institution,” she will say. “The UN system is where the world comes together to agree and uphold standards and rules; to protect all of the world’s peoples and the sovereignty of all nations.”
Addressing the escalating conflict in Lebanon, Senator Wong will declare that “Lebanon cannot become the next Gaza,” expressing concern over the escalating violence and the growing humanitarian crisis. She will reiterate Australia’s commitment to peace and international law, emphasizing the need to protect civilians.
Senator Wong will also address the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, acknowledging the tragic loss of life in both Israel and Gaza. She will pay tribute to the 1,200 people killed during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel last October, calling it “the greatest loss of Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust.” While condemning Hamas’s actions, she will also stress that “Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas.”
Senator Wong will call for adherence to international law, urging Israel to comply with the International Court of Justice’s orders to provide basic services and humanitarian assistance in Gaza. She will also advocate for a two-state solution, emphasizing the need for a clear timeline for the international declaration of Palestinian statehood.
Finally, Senator Wong will call for greater protection for aid workers, highlighting the dangers they face in conflict zones. She will specifically address the killing of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom in Gaza earlier this year, emphasizing that “Gaza is the most dangerous place on Earth to be an aid worker.”
Senator Wong’s address at the UNGA is expected to be a powerful call for action, urging the international community to unite in the face of global conflict and work towards a more peaceful future. (Red)