The City of Greater Geelong has released a statement supporting an ongoing ceasefire in Gaza, days after the truce collapsed.
Mayor Trent Sullivan initially made the plea during last week’s council meeting, after CEO Ali Wastie prevented two other councillors from raising the issue.
Cr Sullivan called on the federal government to support an ongoing humanitarian ceasefire and the release of all hostages.
“Councillors have become increasingly concerned about escalating and abhorrent violence in the Middle East,” he said in a statement to the meeting.
“We share our grief with all residents and our overwhelming, extreme concern about civilian and humanitarian catastrophes in Palestine and Israel.
“We express profound sadness that attempts at peaceful resolutions have failed and that as a consequence, the lives of thousands of innocent civilians have been lost.”
Israeli air strikes have hit the south of the Gaza Strip, killing and injuring dozens of Palestinians.
The attacks reportedly targeted areas where Israel had told people to seek shelter.
Israel’s military posted a map on social media showing areas it said must be evacuated at once.
