The Palestinian representative in Canberra has taken aim at the federal and state governments for a lack of solidarity with civilians in Gaza, as Israel continues its deadly bombardment and siege.
Israeli airstrikes have killed more than 3700 people in Gaza, including 1000 children, while a tightened Israeli blockade for more than a week has meant Gazans are running out of food, water, medical supplies and have no access to electricity.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Palestinian ambassador takes aim at what he says is a lack of solidarity with civilians caught in Gaza.
Watch the latest news on Channel 7 or stream for free on 7plus >>
The attacks came after at least 1400 people in Israel were killed, 3800 injured and about 200 taken hostage in the October 7 Hamas attacks that Israel described as being the worst day in its history.
Despite calls from Arab and Muslim communities, Australian state governments have refused to light up major landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House in the colours of the Palestinian flag — as was done in solidarity with Israel after October 7.
NSW Premier Chris Minn said while he was concerned about Palestinian beings killed, the Opera House sails would not be lit up again in the middle of a warfare situation.
General Delegation of Palestine to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific head Dr Izzat Salah Abdulhadi called the decision “disappointing” and said it demonstrated “unbalanced” policy regarding the war.
“By lighting the Opera House and federal parliament with the Israeli flag colours, this was very offensive to the Muslim, Arab (and) Palestinian communities,” Abdulhadi said.
“I think the Australian government should also condemn in strong terms the killing of Palestinians in Gaza, the cutting off electricity, medical supplies (and) fuel.”
The federal government pledged $10 million worth of aid to civilians in Gaza, including $3 million to the Red Cross and $7 million to United Nations agencies.
It follows Israel’s orders to 1.1 million Gazans to move south, to an already extremely densely popular area, as it prepares for a ground offensive it says is to eliminate Hamas.
Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ed Husic and Minister Anne Aly broke ranks to call on Australia to step up its support for Palestinians facing a humanitarian crisis.
WA Senator Fatima Payman also denounced Israel’s campaign to eliminate Hamas as collectively punishing millions of innocent Palestinians with indiscriminate airstrikes that hit residential buildings, medical centres and places of worship.
On Thursday, Amnesty Australia was among 77 non-government organisations that released a joint statement urging the Australian government to call for a ceasefire.
But Foreign Minister Penny Wong reaffirmed Israel had a “right to defend itself”, while showing restraint to protect civilian life.
Abdulhadi said while the federal government’s donation was welcomed, it would not be “credible” if it wasn’t accompanied by an “even-handed” policy towards the situation in Gaza.
“Australia should engage effectively with the international community, to guarantee a ceasefire in Gaza, this would guarantee the humanitarian assistance to be delivered effectively to Gaza’s people,” he said.
“Australia as a middle power could play a leadership role in this process and not only following the US approach.”
He said the conflict could be used as a turning point for violence in the region, if world powers demanded a two-state solution recognising both an Israeli and sovereign Palestinian state.
“One root cause of this problem is the failure of the international community to effectively involve in this process and guarantee a peaceful solution (between) Israel and Palestine conflict and to enforce the two-state solution, including the self-determination of the Palestinian people.
“It’s a huge failure … (the international community didn’t) put pressure on Israel to be accountable (for) its human rights violation, persecution, colonial settlements in the West Bank and not respond to the needs of Palestinian refugees outside.”
Potential hope for Australians in Gaza
Aid delivery into Gaza was due to begin Friday via the Rafah Border Crossing following a deal brokered by the US, but there was no official confirmation that hundreds of foreign nationals, including 45 Australians, could cross and return to their home countries.
Abdulhadi said following a meeting with Foreign Minister Penny Wong, there was hope the Australians citizens would soon be allowed to leave Gaza.
“There is still no agreement on this, but I assume this will be solved easily now because if they opened the crossing for some hours, I’m sure the international community will work hard to evacuate the foreigners in Gaza.”
Abdulhadi said while the Arab and Muslim community felt demoralised by Australia’s political stance, the federal government was looking to re-engage with these communities.
“The foreign minister promised to have a more effective engagement strategy with the Muslim Arab community, and she asked us as Arab ambassadors if we can facilitate such a process,” he said.
If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your .
To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide.