Sydney - Middle East Times Int’l: Labor Friends of Palestine NSW welcomes the statement issued by Prime Ministers Albanese, Trudeau, and Luxon on Israel’s military action in Rafah. This statement is a positive step towards recognising the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza caused by the violence inflicted daily by  Israel on Palestinian civilians.  

We welcome the Prime Minister’s statement including its call for a ceasefire, and recognition of the urgent need for humanitarian relief to be provided unimpeded to civilians trapped in Gaza. Further, we support the statement’s recognition that the creation of a Palestinian state is essential for a peaceful settlement to this 75 year conflict.  

Anthony D’Adam, Member of the NSW Legislative Council said:  

“While this statement is a step in the right direction, the desperate situation in Gaza requires more than words. There must be urgent, concrete action from the Australian Government. As the statement notes, ‘the impact on Palestinian civilians from an expanded military operation would be devastating’. 

“An immediate and permanent ceasefire is unequivocally required. Australia along with like minded countries must do all it can to proactively push for this outcome. 

“The statement notes that the International Court of Justice’s binding provisional measures require Israel to ‘ensure the delivery of basic services and essential humanitarian assistance’. Australia should immediately resume and increase humanitarian aid to UNRWA, in line with the ICJ ruling. UNRWA is the only organisation capable of providing the level of aid that is required. 

“If Israel continues to ignore the rulings of the ICJ, including the measures related to plausible genocide, then Australia must take action to escalate pressure on Israel, including by implementing sanctions similar to those applied by Australia to Russia and Myanmar. Critically, Australia should immediately end military cooperation and exports to Israel. 

“Finally, in line with ALP national policy, Australia should immediately recognise a sovereign Palestinian state. This is an essential prerequisite to a just and lasting peace. 

“We hope that this statement is the first step by Australia and its allies towards taking further action to do what they can to alleviate the catastrophe in Gaza.”