The reports of a ceasefire deal between the State of Israel and Hamas are welcome and overdue, but the invasion of Gaza is something that should never have occurred, and has resulted in genocide.
Over the past 15 months we've witnessed unimaginable tragedy as Gaza - an area half the size of Canberra with a population of more than two million - has been invaded and tens of thousands of people have lost their lives.
Families have been deprived of food, water, and medicine while schools, hospitals, and mosques have been reduced to rubble.
From day one the Greens called for the release of all hostages and for no invasion of Gaza. Sadly, Labor and Liberal backed the invasion of Gaza.
The Greens are once again calling on the Labor government to do its part in upholding international law by:
- Calling for a permanent ceasefire that sees the end of the occupation of Palestine by the State of Israel.
- Ending the two ways arms trade between Australia and the State of Israel
- Sanctioning members of the Israeli government directly involved in war crimes.
- Having Australia formally intervene on behalf of South Africa at the International Court of Justice and the commitment to uphold International Criminal Court warrants.
It is a testament to the millions of people who have peacefully protested week-on-week over the past year, including here in Australia, that we're seeing news of a ceasefire today.
Today's six-week ceasefire deal is an encouraging first step, and will hopefully bring relief to many. But we can't let it stop there. The ceasefire must be permanent and lasting, and the occupation of Palestine must end.
We must ensure international humanitarian law is upheld and those who have committed war crimes are held to account.
And we must recognise the right to self-determination, the statehood of Palestinians, and the right of both Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace.
The Greens will always advocate for peace, and will be urging Labor to do everything they can to bring an end to this devastating genocide and end the occupation of Palestine.
