Ceasefire should apply to Lebanon too: Australian PM

According to Al Jazeera, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government “strongly believes” that the ceasefire between the US, Israel and Iran should apply to Lebanon too. Speaking to reporters in Brisbane, he said the ceasefire was “an important step forward”. But it is still a “fragile peace” and he wants to turn it into a lasting agreement.
He added that “many Australians are concerned about what is happening in Lebanon. It will have an impact not just on that country but on the whole world.” On the other hand, journalist and Ate Media co-founder John Fran has criticised the Australian government’s response. He said the Australian government’s “indifferent” response to the recent “massacre” of Lebanese civilians was regrettable but not unexpected.
“If this had happened to the Western world—Americans, Australians, British or Europeans—would we have talked about the price of fuel, or would we have said clearly that it was cruel and inhumane?” he asked. Earlier, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Lebanon but did not directly condemn the Israeli attack. Similarly, Prime Minister Albanese has also spoken about including Lebanon in the ceasefire, but has not elaborated on this. Jan Fran also commented on this “apparent lack of concern” from Australian political leaders and the media. As a Lebanese-Australian, he said it was very painful for him. “It is truly tragic to see a beautiful country destroyed in front of the whole world,” he said. He believes that “the least the government can do is demand that Lebanon be included in the ceasefire.”