Tuesday, 31 October 2023

Middle East conflict

Samantha RATNAM (Northern Metropolitan) (13:31): This weekend saw massive protests around the world, including here in Melbourne, in solidarity with the people of Gaza. The Greens condemn the war crimes of Hamas and the invasion of Gaza. Eight thousand Palestinians have died. Save the Children are now reporting that the 3195 children killed in Gaza in just the last three weeks surpasses the total number killed in all global conflicts in the last four years. Just think about that for a moment. Nothing can justify the violence we are seeing. People around the world are taking to the streets to call for a ceasefire and an end to the invasion and occupation. We need a lasting peace and a just peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. It is time our governments listened. Instead of backing the invasion, Australia should be part of an international push for peace and de-escalation, which means an immediate ceasefire, an end to the invasion of Gaza and holding to account those who have committed war crimes. Yet over the weekend Australia abstained from a vote at the United Nations General Assembly for humanitarian peace. What more will it take for Labor to join with our communities in calling for peace? We grieve with those who have lost loved ones, and we must all work now to stop further bloodshed.