The United States has asked Australia to send a warship to the Red Sea amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East where Israel is waging war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
This narrow passage is vital for US trade, energy/oil shipments, and military operations. Given its significance, any disruptions in the Red Sea region can have far-reaching economic and geopolitical consequences.
The request came from the US Navy which wants the vessel to join an international task force following rising attacks on ships by Iran-backed militia trying to disrupt supplies. The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea on Israeli and U.S. ships are a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security.
Assistant Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite confirmed the request on Wednesday 13 December 2023.
"The government is now working with the chief of the defence force in particular the chief of navy to see whether or not we can provide that ship," he told Sky News.
All decisions will be made in Australia's interests, he said.
"We've certainly had a tradition of being involved in allied operations where we're upholding international laws and trying to secure peace and stability, particularly related to ongoing commerce," he said.
Australia has had a presence in the Middle East, including five personnel in the region as part of an allied force aimed at securing shipping lanes, he said.
On Tuesday a Norwegian-flagged commercial tanker was struck by a missile launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen, causing a fire and damage but no casualties.
The Iran-aligned Houthis have waded into the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has spread around the Middle East since October 7, attacking vessels in vital shipping lanes and firing drones and missiles at Israel.
The Houthis have declared all ships heading to Israel will be targeted regardless of their nationality, saying it was a show of support for Palestinians.
They have vowed to continue until Israel stops its offensive on the Gaza Strip.
During the first week of December, three commercial vessels came under attack in international waters, prompting a US Navy destroyer to intervene.
The opposition would support the government if it agreed to the US request, Liberal senator Jane Hume said.
"Australia remains ready to stand by our allies in the Middle East," she told Nine's Today show on Thursday 14 December 2023.
"So, of course, we would support standing by Israel in any way they need and the requests from the US."
The confirmation of the US request comes after Australia made a rare break with Washington to vote in favour of an immediate humanitarian ceasefire at the United Nations.
The move has been criticised by Jewish lobbies in Australia, the Israeli ambassador and the opposition as the resolution didn't mention Hamas. Israel denounced those who voted for the resolution as advancing the' "Satanic agenda" of Hamas.
The difference for the vote in support this time, compared to Australia not voting for a similar one previously, was that it mentioned the release of hostages, Mr Thistlethwaite said.
"It's the fact that human beings are literally starving to death in Gaza because they have no food, they have no water and children are dying," he said.
"So we want to see those humanitarian pauses that were in place some weeks ago that allowed for a negotiated release of hostages ... and food and water to get in so people don't die.
"I think it's as simple as that."
The adopted Resolution (For: 153 Against: 10 Abstaining: 23) is worded as follows:
"The General Assembly,
Guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,
Recalling its resolutions regarding the question of Palestine,
Recalling also all relevant Security Council resolutions,
Taking note of the letter dated 6 December 2023 from the Secretary-General, under Article 99 of the Charter of the United Nations, addressed to the President of the Security Council,
Taking note also of the letter dated 7 December 2023 from the Commissioner General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East addressed to the President of the General Assembly,
Expressing grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population, and emphasizing that the Palestinian and Israeli civilian populations must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law,
1. Demands an immediate humanitarian ceasefire;
2. Reiterates its demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians;
3. Demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access;
4. Decides to adjourn the tenth emergency special session temporarily and to authorize the President of the General Assembly at its most recent session to resume its meeting upon request from Member States."
The resolution does not condemn Hamas or make any specific reference to the extremist group.
Fighters from Hamas - considered a terrorist group by the Australian government - crossed a border fence into southern Israel, killing 1200 Israelis and taking more than 200 hostages on October 7, according to Tel Aviv.
Since then, more than 18,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, according to Gaza health ministry.
Most of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have been driven from their homes and face starvation as Israel's bombing campaign stretches into its third month.
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