NSW Greens MP Jenny Leong coordinated the letter with assistance from the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network.
It has notable signatories including former Foreign Affairs Ministers Gareth Evans and Bob Carr, leaders of the Australian Greens, federal Labor members Louise Pratt, Fatima Payman, and Maria Vamvakinou, along with 11 NSW Labor MPs, and some Liberals and Nationals, including former Liberal Immigration Minister Ian MacPhee.
NSW Labor MP Anthony D'Adam also played a role in coordinating the letter
Albanese and Cabinet Back Ceasefire and Israel’s Right to Self-Defence
The Australian government recently changed its stance and voted in favour of a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, and the unconditional release of all hostages, during an emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly.Mr. Albanese and senior cabinet members emphasised the importance of Israel acting within the bounds of international law in response to Hamas’ attack.
“We recognise Israel’s right to exist and right to defend itself. In defending itself, Israel must respect international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected. We are alarmed at the diminishing safe space for civilians in Gaza. The price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continuous suffering of all Palestinian civilians.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said Australia supported a ceasefire so urgent humanitarian aid could flow and hostages be released.
“We see such pauses as critical steps towards a sustainable and permanent ceasefire. But such a ceasefire cannot be one-sided. The resolution demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” she said.
Palestinian health officials in Gaza report that the death toll is nearing 20,000, while Tel Aviv states about 1,200 people were killed in the Hamas assault, with over 200 taken hostage.
Save the Children Australia CEO Mat Tinkler described the alleged killing of 8,000 children as “unconscionable.”
“Violence against civilians, including children, is completely unjustifiable, and pressure must be maintained to ensure adherence to international law,” he said.
Federal Labor Walking Tightrope on Israel-Hamas Conflict
The federal Labor government continues to navigate the political tightrope between the Greens’ demands for stronger condemnation of Israel, and criticism from the federal opposition for supporting the UN resolution.The Greens leader, Adam Bandt, welcomed the ceasefire vote as a sign of progress, but said it came “way too late and not enough.”
Meanwhile, Senate Opposition Leader Simon Birmingham expressed concern over the Albanese government changing Australia’s stance and “undermining Israel’s position.”
At the same time, statements from Muslim Ministers Ed Husic, Anne Aly, and Western Sydney MP Tony Burke complicated Labor’s evolving stance.
Mr. Husic strongly criticised Israel’s retaliation, stating that Palestinians were facing “collective punishment” for Hamas’s actions and expressed concerns about potential violations of international law.
Ms. Aly supported her colleague’s remarks, stating that it was “difficult to argue” against the idea when confronted with the increasing number of civilian casualties.
Meanwhile, Mr. Burke emphasised on Radio National that holding onto “selective grief” was not sustainable, saying, “We need to be able to distinguish in the debate in Australia between Hamas and Palestinians.”
Regarding a local council’s decision in his southwestern Sydney electorate to fly a Palestinian flag, Mr. Burke pointed out the significance of dispersed connections.
“In my part of Sydney ... people are getting information directly from the ground in Gaza.”
His community was engaged through WhatsApp groups and saw “horrific images updated every hour on their phones,” he said.
He cautioned against getting into an “immature debate” about blame and grief, stating, “People have a right to be able to grieve when innocent life is lost.”
