Six former prime ministers of Australia, except Paul Keating, have issued a rare joint statement regarding the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 30.
John Howard, Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, and Scott Morrison together signed the statement, which condemned Hamas’ “cruel and murderous attack on Israeli families” on Oct. 7.
It called for Hamas, which has control over the Gaza Strip, to unconditionally release hostages and for sustained humanitarian access to be provided to Palestinians.
The former prime ministers from both major political parties said, “On the battlefield in Israel and Gaza, we do not presume to give strategic advice to Israel. But, the legitimate objective of defeating Hamas must be accompanied by support and protection for the civilian population of Gaza. Israel promises it will do all it can to avoid civilian casualties; we urge it to do so with all of its humanity and skill.”
The former leaders endorsed support for a two-state solution as the basis for long-term, lasting peace between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.
Further, they compared Hamas’ attack on Israeli families to ISIS.
It was “the single largest massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust” and “cruel and murderous.”
In unequivocal condemnation, they claimed the Hamas terrorists sought to “horrify and intimidate” Israel’s people and provoke Israel into a reaction that would kill countless innocent civilians in Gaza.
“The Hamas terrorists have no more interest in the safety of Palestinians than they do of Israelis.”
Former Prime Ministers Scott Morrison (C), Tony Abbott, and John Howard (R) after leaving the Senate at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on July 2, 2019. Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images
Further, they said Hamas wanted Israel to invade and bomb Gaza and wanted to “point to thousands of Palestinian casualties from Israeli military action.”
“Their mission is to promote hatred of Israelis, Jews, Palestinians, and Muslims.”
It comes after the Israeli government formally declared war against the terrorist group Hamas following a deadly coordinated strike against Israeli civilians on Oct. 7 that resulted in 1,400 deaths, according to Israeli forces.
Since then, over 5,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes, including 2,055 children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.
Save the Children said the number of children killed in Gaza in the last three weeks surpassed the annual number of children killed in war zones since 2019.
Nothing Justifies Hatred: PMs
The statement moved to reiterate the nation’s cultural and faithful values, adding the conflict does not justify racial or religious hatred in the country.It comes after an Oct. 9 rally where pro-Palestinians chanted anti-semitic messages on the steps of the iconic Opera House.
The leaders said that whatever happens elsewhere: “No complaint or concern about international affairs justifies hate speech against any Australian or any Australian community.”
The former prime ministers said anti-semitic hatred was the largest display of tenacious evil.
“Our Australian Jewish community, directly affected by the terrible crimes of Hamas, not only has to endure the loss and suffering of their families in Israel but now sees these events being used by some to spread ancient hatreds which have inflicted so much suffering on the Jewish people for thousands of years.”
The statement concluded with the words of the 34th Psalm, “seek peace and pursue it.”
The former leaders said defending Australian values, condemning hate speech, and respecting the diverse Australian people was the path to peace.
(L-R) Former Australian Labor Prime Ministers Julia Gillard, Kevin Rudd, and Paul Keating and former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews attend the Labor Party campaign launch for the 2019 Federal election at the Brisbane Convention Centre in Brisbane, Australia, on May 5, 2019. AAP Image/Lukas Coch
Mixed Reactions
Meanwhile, the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) welcomed the statement as a sign of respect.ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said it sent a worldwide message that the country understood right from wrong.
Mr. Leibler said, “The fact that the former prime ministers are from both major political parties highlights that condemnation of Hamas and its terror campaign and support for Israel’s right to defend itself transcends politics – it is an issue of basic morality and values.”
However, the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) said it further exacerbated community division whilst alienating Palestinian Australians.
APAN’s Nasser Mashni said he was disturbed by the actions of the former prime ministers “knowing that it ignores Israel’s current and historical violations of international law.”
Mr. Mashni said, “The statement’s reference to ‘Australian values of love and respect’ rings hollow, given that the former prime ministers failed to acknowledge the tens of thousands of Australians expressing their horror about Israel’s behaviour and ignored the anguish that many thousands of Palestinian Australians are currently feeling.”
‘Not Accepting Continuing Civilian Deaths,’ Wong Says
It comes hours after Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong called for a bipartisan approach and warned the United Nations vote meant “the international community would not accept continuing civilian deaths.”Ms. Wong referred to the UN General Assembly vote on Oct. 27, where 120 countries voted for an immediate humanitarian truce in Gaza.
Countries like New Zealand and France supported the motion, while 14, including the US and Israel, voted no.
Australia, among 45 countries other countries, abstained from voting because the motion did not directly condemn Hamas for the Oct. 7 attacks.
Ms. Wong urged Israel to listen critically when encouraged to protect civilians’ lives.
She told ABC Radio’s AM program, “We have seen civilians up on both sides in a lot of pain, and obviously, and obviously, we still have Israeli hostages who have been taken, that Hamas is still holding,” she said
She urged Israel to defend itself but ensure it does everything to protect civilian lives and respect International Humanitarian Law.
