Many Australians are understandably traumatised by the conflict in the Middle East.
While this conflict might be far away, it has been close to many in Australia. Some have lost family – or have loved ones directly impacted. On our own, Australia has few ways to move the dial in the Middle East. That’s why we have been so focused on partnering with other countries that also want to end this war, deliver lifesaving aid, and uphold international law. It’s only by being active in the international community that we can build momentum for peace.
Australia welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage agreement in Gaza after 15 months of conflict and a devastating loss of civilian life. Australia has consistently been part of the international call for a ceasefire and release of hostages. It is more than a year since Australia voted for a ceasefire with 152 other countries at the United Nations General Assembly. As the conflict spread to Lebanon, we called for a ceasefire alongside dozens of others including the European Union and regional leaders Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
As well as our coordinated calls for ceasefire and the release of hostages, we act in partnership with other aid donors to help civilians devastated by the conflict. Since 7 October 2023, we have committed $94.5 million in humanitarian assistance to support civilians impacted by conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon and to respond to the refugee crisis in the region worsened by those conflicts. This is on top of doubling annual funding to UNRWA – the only organisation with the mandate and the infrastructure to receive and distribute aid on the scale needed right now in Gaza.
Perhaps most importantly, because the scale of humanitarian need cannot be met by one country alone, we make our contributions with other countries – multiplying our efforts. We joined with Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom to express our opposition to the Israeli Knesset’s plans to prohibit UNRWA’s presence in Israel and designate UNRWA a terrorist organisation.
Along with the majority of the international community, the Australian Government has frequently condemned Israeli Defence Force attacks on civilians or aid workers. Most of the time, aid workers are local Palestinians working with international humanitarian organisations.
Australia is building a coalition for the safety of humanitarian personnel, including local aid workers, who provide the food, water and medicine civilians need to survive. The Foreign Minister is leading an influential group of countries to create a global Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, increasing pressure for countries to abide by international humanitarian law.
Australia works with Canada, New Zealand and other supporters of international law, including by backing the independence of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. We are clear that the Netanyahu Government must comply with their binding orders, including enabling the provision of basic services and enabling humanitarian assistance at scale.
International law includes the UN Charter that allows countries to defend themselves – and the Geneva Conventions that protect civilians during wars. Palestinian civilians cannot pay the price of defeating Hamas.
We work with others because going it alone gets us nowhere in the Middle East. But you wouldn’t think that listening to some politicians.
Mr Dutton has demanded Australia do what no other country has done: say the rules don’t apply to Israel. Meanwhile the Greens demand we apply sanctions to Israel that no other country has applied. When Australia applies sanctions, we coordinate with partners. That’s what makes them effective.
We have coordinated with other countries to sanction Israeli extremist settlers for their violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Just as Australia has joined a large number of countries in condemning and sanctioning Hamas, Hizballah and others for their terrorism.
The two ends of the political spectrum are recklessly trying to reproduce conflict here and exploit rightly distressed Australians.
Mr Dutton demands Australia cuts ties with Iran – but more than 160 countries have diplomatic relations with Iran.
At the same time, the Greens demand Australia cuts ties with Israel – but more than 160 countries have diplomatic relations with Israel.
Diplomatic ties are how we put Australia’s views and avoid being caught up in conflict ourselves.
We have used our diplomatic ties to press Israel to adhere to international law, to coordinate consular assistance for Australians and their families wanting to leave Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
All-or-nothing demands do nothing to end the Middle East cycle of violence. That can only happen when the promise of two states is fulfilled – a Palestinian state and the State of Israel, living side by side in peace and security within internationally recognised borders.
Right now, this may feel like a distant prospect. It is bitterly opposed by Hamas, who seek to end the Jewish state. It is also not supported by many in the Netanyahu Government. But Palestinians have a right to self-determination, and Israel’s own long-term security requires a two-state solution. We will continue working with the international community to press toward this goal.
In May 2024, Australia was one of 143 countries to vote in support of Palestinian aspirations for full membership of the UN – where the Foreign Minister has also called for a timeline for the international declaration of Palestinian statehood. No previous Australian government has taken these steps.
I understand Australians have wanted their government to make this war end. But this isn’t Vietnam or Iraq – Australia is not contributing to the war. Nor have we supplied weapons for it. There is a big difference between Australia wanting to end this war – and being able to do it on our own.
The ceasefire and hostage agreement is a constructive step towards peace and stability in the region. It must mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Israeli and Palestinian people. We are urging all parties to respect its terms and safeguard a lasting peace, including ensuring the immediate release of all hostages and unimpeded and sustained increases in humanitarian assistance to all parts of Gaza.
Australia will continue working with the international community towards a two-state solution - a Palestinian state and the State of Israel, living side by side in peace and security within internationally recognised borders.