Australia Must Stand Firm Against Palestinian Authority's Irresponsible Resolution

Strategic Insights -

The Albanese government is under pressure to back a US opposition to a Palestinian Authority resolution at the UN that demands Israel withdraw from Gaza and the West Bank, following a barbaric massacre of Jews by Hamas. The resolution makes no mention of the October 7 slaughter, which is certain to dominate Middle East prospects for years to come. Australia must not be part of a shameful charade that ignores the evil committed by Hamas. As opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham said, the resolution is "deeply counter-productive to long-term peace efforts" and shamefully ignores the horrors and atrocities committed on October 7.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Palestinian Authority has submitted a draft UN resolution demanding Israel withdraw from Gaza and the West Bank, without mentioning Hamas's October 7 massacre.
  • The resolution is "deeply counter-productive to long-term peace efforts" and ignores the horrors and atrocities committed on October 7, according to opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham.
  • The Albanese government must stand firm against the resolution and support US opposition, despite potential political anxieties about Islamic voters in western Sydney.
  • Australia's national interest lies in standing with the US and other nations against the resolution, and not pandering to those who seek to ignore Hamas's terrorism.
  • The Albanese government previously turned its back on the US alliance and Israel by awarding the PA de facto UN membership in a vote four months ago.
  • A test for the Albanese government is whether it will put Australia back with its allies, or continue to follow an irrational and counter-productive foreign policy.

Statistics:

  • The Palestinian Authority's resolution makes no mention of Hamas's October 7 massacre.
  • The massacre resulted in the worst slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust.
  • Australia has more than 75 years of close ties with Israel.
  • The UN resolution will be debated on Thursday.
  • 142 UN members, including Australia, awarded the PA de facto UN membership four months ago.

Sources:

  • Ben Packham, reporting on the Palestinian Authority's draft UN resolution.
  • Simon Birmingham, opposition foreign affairs spokesman, describing the resolution as "deeply counter-productive to long-term peace efforts".
  • The Australian newspaper, for the overall context and editorial tone.