Australia Supports UN Resolution for ‘Immediate, Unconditional and Permanent’ Gaza Ceasefire
Australia has taken a significant stance at the United Nations, voting in favour of a resolution calling for an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza. This marks the strongest language adopted by the Australian government regarding the ongoing conflict, aligning with over 150 countries, including Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
The resolution also reaffirmed the vital role of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in providing aid to Gaza and criticised Israel for impeding its operations. While the move demonstrates Australia’s commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts, it has drawn mixed reactions domestically and internationally.
Escalation in Language
Australia’s decision to back this resolution signals a notable shift in its position. Previously, Australia had supported calls for an “immediate” ceasefire. However, this latest resolution emphasises the terms “unconditional and permanent,” a step beyond prior commitments.
The resolution does not, however, demand that Hamas disarm or condemn its actions, leading to criticism from Australian officials. James Larsen, Australia’s permanent UN representative, noted that while Australia supported the resolution, it disagreed with some of its elements. He emphasised Australia’s condemnation of Hamas’s actions, including the atrocities committed during the October 7 attacks.
“This reality should have been reflected in the resolution,” Larsen said, reiterating Australia’s unequivocal condemnation of Hamas.
Prime Minister’s Comments
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking at the Sydney Jewish Museum, maintained that Australia’s broader policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unchanged. “Australia’s position is we support a two-state solution … Very clearly that cannot involve Hamas … There’s no role for Hamas in any future Palestinian state,” he said.
Despite these reassurances, the prime minister has faced accusations from opposition leaders of obfuscating his government’s intentions.
Domestic Backlash
The Coalition has strongly criticised the government’s support for the resolution, accusing it of undermining Israel and emboldening anti-Semitism in Australia. Senator James Paterson described Albanese’s handling of the matter as “gaslighting” the Australian Jewish community, linking the vote to an increase in anti-Semitic incidents.
Labor minister Anne Aly defended the government’s position, citing international legal rulings and Australia’s responsibility to uphold global human rights standards. She noted that the decision reflects “a shift in the contexts in which the Israeli government is operating.”
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued interim warnings about the risk of genocide in Gaza, although a final judgement remains years away. The contentious charge has been denied by Israel.
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Support for UNRWA
Australia also supported a second UN resolution backing UNRWA, the agency responsible for aiding Palestinian refugees. The resolution criticised Israel’s alleged misinformation campaign against the agency and called for its operations to proceed unhindered.
This decision has sparked controversy, with Jewish groups and opposition figures opposing Australia’s resumed funding for UNRWA. They argue the agency has links to Hamas, a claim echoed by Israel’s UN representative.
“UNRWA has become a haven for terror,” Israel’s representative said, accusing the agency of being infiltrated by Hamas. Senator Paterson reiterated his belief that UNRWA is “unreformable and unreformed.”
Despite this, James Larsen stressed the importance of UNRWA’s work in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “UNRWA must be allowed to continue its life-saving work,” he said, describing the agency as “the backbone of the humanitarian response.”
Divided Opinions
Jewish organisations in Australia have expressed anger at the government’s vote, claiming the resolution undermines Israel’s security. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry described the resolution as “immoral,” arguing that it favours Hamas by not demanding the release of hostages or condemning the group’s actions.
Conversely, human rights advocates and international organisations have welcomed Australia’s support for a ceasefire, viewing it as a step towards alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
As tensions persist in the region, Australia’s vote highlights the delicate balance between supporting peace efforts and maintaining diplomatic ties with Israel. The move underscores the Albanese government’s evolving stance on a complex and deeply polarising conflict.
