Australia Raises Alarm Over Potential Erasure of Palestine Amid Israel’s Actions
Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong has voiced concerns about the potential erasure of a Palestinian state, citing ongoing violence and the situation in Gaza as serious risks to Israel's escalating actions, including the increasing acts of violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
In an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Tuesday morning, Wong addressed inquiries regarding a large-scale protest in Sydney, where hundreds of thousands of individuals gathered to rally against what they claim is Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
Protest organizers have claimed that the number of demonstrators marching across Sydney Harbour Bridge during Sunday’s event ranged from 200,000 to 300,000, a figure markedly higher than the initial police estimate of around 90,000 participants.
Wong expressed that the Australian government aligns with the protesters’ “call for peace and a ceasefire,” noting that the significant turnout demonstrates “the widespread alarm” within the Australian community regarding “the unfolding crisis in Gaza.” She highlighted the “catastrophic humanitarian conditions and the tragic loss of women and children, alongside the obstruction of crucial aid.”
At least 175 individuals, including 93 children, have succumbed to starvation in Gaza since hostilities commenced in the region in October 2023.
In response to inquiries about whether Australia is contemplating further concrete measures, such as sanctions against Israel, Wong stated, “We refrain from speculating on sanctions for the clear reason that they are more impactful when not pre-announced.”
Australia had previously enacted sanctions against two far-right ministers in Netanyahu’s cabinet, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, in June of this year, as well as against “extremist” Israeli settlers.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed that the country’s recognition of Palestinian statehood is inevitable, emphasizing that the question is about timing rather than possibility. She stated, “In relation to recognition, it’s a matter of when, not if.”
The State of Palestine has garnered recognition as a sovereign entity from 147 out of the 193 member states of the United Nations, accounting for 75 percent of the global community.
Reports have emerged indicating that Wong’s interview aligns with efforts by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to initiate a dialogue with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the wake of Sunday’s massive protest.
Albanese indicated his plans to emphasize Australia’s support for a two-state solution in upcoming discussions.
During the Sunday march, independent journalist Antony Loewenstein conveyed to Al Jazeera that the rally highlighted the widespread frustration among Australians regarding the perceived inaction of their government, which appears to be limited to rhetoric rather than substantive measures.
Australia is integrated into the international supply chain for the F-35 fighter jet, a model reportedly utilized by Israel in its operations over Gaza on a daily basis. It is suggested that components used in these aircraft may originate from Australia, according to sources.
Numerous Western nations have persisted in providing lethal weaponry to Israel, notwithstanding the significant human cost attributed to its actions in Palestinian territories.
According to reports, the recent Israeli offensive on Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of at least 60,034 Palestinians, the majority being women and children. Additionally, 148,870 individuals have sustained injuries during this period.
