Following the devastating attack on a Palestinian refugee camp in Rafah, and with Norway, Ireland and Spain set to formally recognise Palestine tomorrow, the Greens say that Labor must formally support Palestinian statehood in a vote tomorrow, saying failure to do so would be inexcusable and a broken promise by Labor.
The motion simply formally acknowledges that the House of Representatives recognises the State of Palestine. No further or more complicated process is required for Australia to join 143 other nations in recognition.
Last week Norway, Ireland and Spain announced they will formally recognise Palestine tomorrow, following Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados earlier this year and joining 140 countries from around the world.
Text of the motion:
"I shall move that: This House recognise the State of Palestine."
As stated by Adam Bandt MP, Leader of the Australian Greens:
"Labor made an election promise to support Palestinian statehood, but words are meaningless unless they vote for it and join the 143 other nations that recognise Palestine, including Norway, Ireland and Spain," Mr Bandt said.
"Recognition alone won't stop the invasion or end the occupation, but it will be a big step towards ensuring that Palestinians have the same rights as Israelis to live in peace and security with full rights under international law.
"Instead of making hand-wringing statements while backing the invasion of Gaza, Labor should vote to recognise Palestine, back a permanent ceasefire, sanction Benjamin Netanyahu's war cabinet, end the two-way arms trade with Israel and expel the Israeli Ambassador until this horror ceases."
As stated by Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens Foreign Affairs spokesperson:
"Labor needs to stop simply offering hollow words - platitudes that mention weak concern with no conviction or action underpinning them. People are seeing through their inaction." Senator Steele-John said.
"Recognising statehood is not just accepting the reality that Palestinians deserve to be able to live in peace, security and equality. It demonstrates that the Australian government is willing to go beyond words into genuine action.
"This needs to just be the first step. Australia must expel the Israeli ambassador, end the arms trade with Israel, and sanction Netanyahu and his war cabinet."
