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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Daniel Hurst Foreign affairs and defence correspondent

From a ‘pause’ to a humanitarian ceasefire: emails reveal why Australia shifted its position on Gaza

Penny Wong United States Australia United Nations Hamas DFAT Gaza Guardian Australia Amir Maimon Israel
Penny Wong
Emails reveal the advice the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provided the foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, as the government shifted its position on Gaza. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Australia voted for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza after officials privately advised the government the “unprecedented crisis on the ground” and “shifting positions” of allies could justify a policy change.

Guardian Australia has obtained documents revealing the confidential advice given to the foreign minister, Penny Wong, before she authorised a yes vote at the UN general assembly in December – a decision that continues to fuel tensions with the Israeli government.

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