1 week Ago By Penny Wong
Many Australians are understandably traumatised by the past year in the Middle East. Every day, we see more unbearable scenes. The terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023: the worst loss of Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust, and almost 100 hostages still held.
And in Israel’s response: 42,000 Palestinians killed – including more than 13,000 children. About 2 million facing starvation. While this conflict might be far away, it is close to many in Australia.
Some have lost family – or have loved ones in danger. Communities connect with different sides in this conflict. Penny Wong addresses the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 27.
Credit: Bloomberg The Middle East’s contested history helps explain these divergent perspectives. Those who know the imperative of Israel for the Jewish people’s survival. Who feel October 7 as part of the long shadow of antisemitism; the abomination of the Holocaust and millennia of Jewish persecution.
And those who know the dispossession of the Palestinian people; the failure of the international community to honour the 1947 promise made for a Palestinian state when Israel was established. Who feel that the loss of Muslim and Arab lives has been too easily dismissed. These two experiences seem less reconciled than ever – and they are intensified in a debate often framed by incorrect information.
For example, people continue to demand Australia call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Yet, it’s nearly 11 months since Australia voted for a ceasefire with 152 other countries at the United Nations General Assembly. While some don’t hear our condemnation of Israel Defence Forces’ attacks on civilians or aid workers, others wrongly claim we enable Hamas by insisting Israel follow the rules of war.
Loading As the conflict spread to Lebanon, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said Australia was isolated by calling for a ceasefire there – when we did so with dozens of other countries. And despite that call, I am asked when Australia will stop bombing Lebanon. We never started.
These examples show what happens when certain politicians and media make false claims in bad faith – and when people shout over each other rather than listen to each other. I understand people want their government to make this war end. But this isn’t Vietnam or Iraq – Australia is not contributing to the war.
Nor are we supplying weapons for it. There is a big difference between Australia wanting to end this war and being able to do it on our own. Our only hope is in being active in the international community.
As long as this war goes on, we will keep partnering to deliver aid, uphold international law and drive towards peace..
