Every effort must be made to safeguard innocent life and end the suffering and starvation of the people of Gaza, the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement on Friday, describing the situation as a "humanitarian catastrophe".

Hamas said it was surprised by remarks from U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff suggesting the group lacked a desire to reach a cease-fire in Gaza.

Every effort must be made to safeguard innocent life and end the suffering and starvation of the people of Gaza, the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement…