We are all justifiably outraged by the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. This motion does a good job of expressing that outrage. But Labor values also demand that we consider the real outcomes of our policy positions and actions, particularly on those most affected - in this case, the people of Gaza. We propose three amendments here, as shown below.
The reasons are as follows:
on point 1: Hamas committed atrocities on 7 October and is still holding hostages who should be returned in the context of a ceasefire.
on point 5: The Australian government suspended aid to UNRWA when it started
investigating allegations against its staff because Australian law
prohibits aid to Hamas, a listed terrorist organisation. Aid was
restored when the allegations were resolved. Condemning the suspension
is effectively condemning the government for applying Australian law.
on point 2: Unconditional recognition by foreign governments of a Palestinian state
is manifestly not putting pressure on Israel to change its behaviour.
What is changing Israeli government decisions is the
intense domestic pressure to focus on the return of hostages rather than
attacking Hamas. Such domestic pressures have actually eased when Israelis perceive foreigners attacking the state of
Israel, such as when the ICC prosecutor announced he was seeking arrest
warrants for Israeli leaders. The Albanese Government's position of reserving
recognition to a point when it is most conducive to peace is most likely
to deliver actual rather than just symbolic Palestinian
self-determination. The ICJ's recent ruling on the illegality of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza (also called out by the Albanese Government) urges Israel to work towards Palestinian recognition in the context of a two state solution and enduring peace.
We have not proposed amendments to points 3) and 4) but note the
Government has publicly supported the ICJ and urged Israel to
abide by its provisional measures, and that Defence estimates debunked
the claims of Australian weapons exports to Israel.
It is appropriate for Labor members to express their horror and outrage at the terrible situation in Gaza. It is important that expression be grounded in what is most likely to deliver real benefits to the Palestinian people in Gaza.