Australia’s support of Palestine ‘not credible’ if Israeli war not condemned in ‘strong terms’, delegate says

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 representative takes aim at what he says is a lack of solidarity with civilians caught in Gaza.

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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 Minns 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.”

The Israeli government has denied all accusations of war crimes and human rights violations.

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.

In a statement to 7NEWS.com.au, a spokesperson for Wong said the government condemned “any indiscriminate attacks and targeting of civilian infrastructure”.

“A bipartisan motion carried in Parliament this week acknowledged the devastating loss of Israeli and Palestinian life and that innocent civilians on all sides were suffering as a result of attacks by Hamas and the subsequent conflict.

“As the Foreign Minister has said, the protection of civilians wherever they live must come first and respect for international humanitarian law is paramount.

“Every innocent life matters, whether Israeli or Palestinian.”

7NEWS.com.au understands Wong has spoken to her counterparts from countries in the region, including from Jordan and Lebanon, as well as those in Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.

“Australia is doing all we can to support the work of the US, Egypt and others to make the Rafah border crossing open for humanitarian purposes, including the passage of civilians.

“We have welcomed the statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office, following President Biden’s request, that Israel will not prevent humanitarian assistance entering Gaza from Egypt.

“We understand largescale international humanitarian aid is on standby at the Rafah border crossing ready for distribution once the border is open. This includes the supplies that our trusted partners, such as UNICEF, have been able to ready thanks to Australia’s initial $10 million humanitarian commitment.

“As the Foreign Minister has said, the illumination of Parliament House is ultimately a matter for the Presiding Officers and was a show of solidarity with Israel following Hamas’ abhorrent terrorist attacks.”