Sign in Subscribe
Arab-Israeli conflicts

Tens of Thousands of Australians Demand End to War in Gaza and Sanctions Against Israel

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Protests are happening ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, where Australia and other countries are promising to recognize a Palestinian state. Australians are voicing their concerns about the war in Gaza, with many in attendance at the Nationwide March for Palestine. The Australian government has received commitments from the Palestinian Authority, which currently runs the West Bank, in exchange for recognizing a Palestinian state.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tens of thousands of Australians gathered at pro-Palestinian demonstrations in cities across the country, demanding an end to the war in Gaza and sanctions against Israel.
  • The protests are happening a fortnight before the United Nations General Assembly, where Australia and other countries are promising to recognize a Palestinian state.
  • 45% of Australians support recognizing a Palestinian state in the present circumstances, according to a survey by Demos AU.
  • 23% of Australians oppose recognizing a Palestinian state, while 32% are undecided.
  • The Australian government has received commitments from the Palestinian Authority, which currently runs the West Bank, in exchange for recognizing a Palestinian state.
  • Israel has repeatedly denied targeting civilians and says its objective is to eliminate Hamas, but the Netanyahu government's failure to listen to the concerns of allies when it comes to civilians in Gaza has been one of the reasons behind the Australian government's decision to recognize a Palestinian state.
  • Kos Samaras, a director at Redbridge, says in the early stages of this conflict, the subject rarely came up, but is now being spoken about far more regularly in focus groups.
  • Anthony Albanese, the Australian Prime Minister, has said that Hamas can play no role in any future Palestinian state.

Statistics:

  • 45% of Australians support recognizing a Palestinian state in the present circumstances (Source: Demos AU)
  • 23% of Australians oppose recognizing a Palestinian state (Source: Demos AU)
  • 32% of Australians are undecided about recognizing a Palestinian state (Source: Demos AU)
  • 80th session of the UN General Assembly opens on September 9 (Source: UN General Assembly)

Sources:

  • "Nationwide March for Palestine" transcript
  • Sabra Lane, " Australians demand end to war in Gaza and sanctions against Israel"
  • Tanya Dendrinos, "Nationwide March for Palestine"
  • Kos Samaras, director at Redbridge
  • William Bow, election analyst and publisher of The Poll Bludger website
  • Demos AU, "Would you support recognizing a Palestinian state in the present circumstances?"

Read more