Latest news with #AustralianPalestineAdvocacyNetwork
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Recognition not enough: calls for more action on Gaza
Australia has been urged to go further than recognising a Palestinian state by following up with sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel. The calls from pro-Palestine groups follow Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's confirmation of Australia's intention to recognise the state at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. The move, which has been criticised by the Israeli ambassador as counterproductive to peace and the release of hostages, puts Australia in alignment with allies such as France, the UK and Canada. But statehood recognition could be serving as a "political fig leaf" for western states, warned Australian Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni. "Recognition is completely meaningless while Australia continues to arms-trade with, diplomatically protect and encourage other states to normalise relations with the very state perpetrating these atrocities," he said. "Palestinian rights are not a gift to be granted by Western states." Labor Friends of Palestine welcomed the move but also urged the federal government to go further on sanctions and an arms embargo, citing "a groundswell" of member support. The federal government has maintained Australia is not exporting weapons to Israel but there has been scrutiny over the contribution of Australian companies to the supply chain for fighter jets used by the Israeli military. More than two million Palestinians face severe food insecurity, based on United Nations projections. At least 90,000 protesters marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge earlier in August to call on the government to sanction Israel. Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon said Palestinian recognition would "not change the reality on the ground". "Peace is not achieved through declarations; it is achieved when those who have chosen terror abandon it and when violence and incitement end," he said in a statement. Mr Albanese said formal recognition was part of a co-ordinated global effort. "A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza," he said. Mr Albanese said recognition would need to guarantee designated terror group Hamas, which de facto governs Gaza, would play no role in its future government. Coalition foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash said Labor's decision risked "delivering Hamas one of its strategic objectives of the horrific terrorism of October 7" and put Australia at odds with its most important ally in the US. The crisis in Gaza began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking about 250 more hostage. Israel's military response has since killed more than 61,000 people, according to Gaza's health authorities. Israel has denied that the population is suffering or dying from starvation, even though it has throttled the flow of aid to Gaza for months, international human rights groups have said. Australia has been urged to go further than recognising a Palestinian state by following up with sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel. The calls from pro-Palestine groups follow Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's confirmation of Australia's intention to recognise the state at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. The move, which has been criticised by the Israeli ambassador as counterproductive to peace and the release of hostages, puts Australia in alignment with allies such as France, the UK and Canada. But statehood recognition could be serving as a "political fig leaf" for western states, warned Australian Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni. "Recognition is completely meaningless while Australia continues to arms-trade with, diplomatically protect and encourage other states to normalise relations with the very state perpetrating these atrocities," he said. "Palestinian rights are not a gift to be granted by Western states." Labor Friends of Palestine welcomed the move but also urged the federal government to go further on sanctions and an arms embargo, citing "a groundswell" of member support. The federal government has maintained Australia is not exporting weapons to Israel but there has been scrutiny over the contribution of Australian companies to the supply chain for fighter jets used by the Israeli military. More than two million Palestinians face severe food insecurity, based on United Nations projections. At least 90,000 protesters marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge earlier in August to call on the government to sanction Israel. Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon said Palestinian recognition would "not change the reality on the ground". "Peace is not achieved through declarations; it is achieved when those who have chosen terror abandon it and when violence and incitement end," he said in a statement. Mr Albanese said formal recognition was part of a co-ordinated global effort. "A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza," he said. Mr Albanese said recognition would need to guarantee designated terror group Hamas, which de facto governs Gaza, would play no role in its future government. Coalition foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash said Labor's decision risked "delivering Hamas one of its strategic objectives of the horrific terrorism of October 7" and put Australia at odds with its most important ally in the US. The crisis in Gaza began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking about 250 more hostage. Israel's military response has since killed more than 61,000 people, according to Gaza's health authorities. Israel has denied that the population is suffering or dying from starvation, even though it has throttled the flow of aid to Gaza for months, international human rights groups have said. Australia has been urged to go further than recognising a Palestinian state by following up with sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel. The calls from pro-Palestine groups follow Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's confirmation of Australia's intention to recognise the state at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. The move, which has been criticised by the Israeli ambassador as counterproductive to peace and the release of hostages, puts Australia in alignment with allies such as France, the UK and Canada. But statehood recognition could be serving as a "political fig leaf" for western states, warned Australian Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni. "Recognition is completely meaningless while Australia continues to arms-trade with, diplomatically protect and encourage other states to normalise relations with the very state perpetrating these atrocities," he said. "Palestinian rights are not a gift to be granted by Western states." Labor Friends of Palestine welcomed the move but also urged the federal government to go further on sanctions and an arms embargo, citing "a groundswell" of member support. The federal government has maintained Australia is not exporting weapons to Israel but there has been scrutiny over the contribution of Australian companies to the supply chain for fighter jets used by the Israeli military. More than two million Palestinians face severe food insecurity, based on United Nations projections. At least 90,000 protesters marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge earlier in August to call on the government to sanction Israel. Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon said Palestinian recognition would "not change the reality on the ground". "Peace is not achieved through declarations; it is achieved when those who have chosen terror abandon it and when violence and incitement end," he said in a statement. Mr Albanese said formal recognition was part of a co-ordinated global effort. "A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza," he said. Mr Albanese said recognition would need to guarantee designated terror group Hamas, which de facto governs Gaza, would play no role in its future government. Coalition foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash said Labor's decision risked "delivering Hamas one of its strategic objectives of the horrific terrorism of October 7" and put Australia at odds with its most important ally in the US. The crisis in Gaza began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking about 250 more hostage. Israel's military response has since killed more than 61,000 people, according to Gaza's health authorities. Israel has denied that the population is suffering or dying from starvation, even though it has throttled the flow of aid to Gaza for months, international human rights groups have said. Australia has been urged to go further than recognising a Palestinian state by following up with sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel. The calls from pro-Palestine groups follow Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's confirmation of Australia's intention to recognise the state at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. The move, which has been criticised by the Israeli ambassador as counterproductive to peace and the release of hostages, puts Australia in alignment with allies such as France, the UK and Canada. But statehood recognition could be serving as a "political fig leaf" for western states, warned Australian Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni. "Recognition is completely meaningless while Australia continues to arms-trade with, diplomatically protect and encourage other states to normalise relations with the very state perpetrating these atrocities," he said. "Palestinian rights are not a gift to be granted by Western states." Labor Friends of Palestine welcomed the move but also urged the federal government to go further on sanctions and an arms embargo, citing "a groundswell" of member support. The federal government has maintained Australia is not exporting weapons to Israel but there has been scrutiny over the contribution of Australian companies to the supply chain for fighter jets used by the Israeli military. More than two million Palestinians face severe food insecurity, based on United Nations projections. At least 90,000 protesters marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge earlier in August to call on the government to sanction Israel. Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon said Palestinian recognition would "not change the reality on the ground". "Peace is not achieved through declarations; it is achieved when those who have chosen terror abandon it and when violence and incitement end," he said in a statement. Mr Albanese said formal recognition was part of a co-ordinated global effort. "A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza," he said. Mr Albanese said recognition would need to guarantee designated terror group Hamas, which de facto governs Gaza, would play no role in its future government. Coalition foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash said Labor's decision risked "delivering Hamas one of its strategic objectives of the horrific terrorism of October 7" and put Australia at odds with its most important ally in the US. The crisis in Gaza began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking about 250 more hostage. Israel's military response has since killed more than 61,000 people, according to Gaza's health authorities. Israel has denied that the population is suffering or dying from starvation, even though it has throttled the flow of aid to Gaza for months, international human rights groups have said.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Recognition not enough: calls for more action on Gaza
Australia has been urged to go further than recognising a Palestinian state by following up with sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel. The calls from pro-Palestine groups follow Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's confirmation of Australia's intention to recognise the state at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. The move, which has been criticised by the Israeli ambassador as counterproductive to peace and the release of hostages, puts Australia in alignment with allies such as France, the UK and Canada. But statehood recognition could be serving as a "political fig leaf" for western states, warned Australian Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni. "Recognition is completely meaningless while Australia continues to arms-trade with, diplomatically protect and encourage other states to normalise relations with the very state perpetrating these atrocities," he said. "Palestinian rights are not a gift to be granted by Western states." Labor Friends of Palestine welcomed the move but also urged the federal government to go further on sanctions and an arms embargo, citing "a groundswell" of member support. The federal government has maintained Australia is not exporting weapons to Israel but there has been scrutiny over the contribution of Australian companies to the supply chain for fighter jets used by the Israeli military. More than two million Palestinians face severe food insecurity, based on United Nations projections. At least 90,000 protesters marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge earlier in August to call on the government to sanction Israel. Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon said Palestinian recognition would "not change the reality on the ground". "Peace is not achieved through declarations; it is achieved when those who have chosen terror abandon it and when violence and incitement end," he said in a statement. Mr Albanese said formal recognition was part of a co-ordinated global effort. "A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza," he said. Mr Albanese said recognition would need to guarantee designated terror group Hamas, which de facto governs Gaza, would play no role in its future government. Coalition foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash said Labor's decision risked "delivering Hamas one of its strategic objectives of the horrific terrorism of October 7" and put Australia at odds with its most important ally in the US. The crisis in Gaza began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking about 250 more hostage. Israel's military response has since killed more than 61,000 people, according to Gaza's health authorities. Israel has denied that the population is suffering or dying from starvation, even though it has throttled the flow of aid to Gaza for months, international human rights groups have said.
Canberra Times
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Canberra Times
Taskforce promises action after anti-Semitic attacks
"There have been no task forces, no public statements of care for Palestinians as they watch their loved ones massacred by the genocidal state of Israel, or are targeted by anti-Palestinian racism here in Australia," Australian Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni said on Tuesday.
The Advertiser
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Double standards claim over synagogue attack response
Political leaders have been accused of double standards on Palestinian Australians as action is taken over a spate of incidents involving Jewish institutions. Worshippers were forced to flee the East Melbourne Synagogue after it was firebombed on the same night Israeli restaurant Miznon in the CBD was targeted by pro-Palestine protesters. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over Friday night's synagogue firebombing. A state task force has been announced to tackle hate and examine police powers after the incidents, as federal leaders promise more action to protect Jewish Australians. Palestinian Australians have accused leaders of political silence, suspicion, hostility or surveillance when it comes to their plight and say they are met with protest crackdowns and threatened with repressive laws. "There have been no task forces, no public statements of care for Palestinians as they watch their loved ones massacred by the genocidal state of Israel, or are targeted by anti-Palestinian racism here in Australia," Australian Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni said. Mr Mashni demanded political leaders stop criminalising Palestinian resistance, grief and political expression and engage in meaningful consultation and inclusion in decisions that affect their lives and rights. "The longer political leaders ignore and avoid us, the more obvious their double standards become," he said. Miznon's owners have spoken of the "profound impact" of the incident on Friday. The demonstration outside the Hardware Lane restaurant ended with protesters smashing a glass door, up-ending tables and throwing chairs. About 20 protesters converged on the restaurant, some chanting "death to the IDF" in reference to the Israel Defence Force. Police on Tuesday charged a 50-year-old Richmond man, a 48-year-old Footscray woman and a 28-year-old Essendon woman with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after another person was arrested and then released for hindering police that night. The restaurant said the actions of a few had caused much distress to customers, patrons and staff in neighbouring restaurants. "We respect everyone's right to their own nationality and religion. We ask for the same," the owners said in an Instagram post. Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance has taken responsibility for the protest. Victoria Police has rejected claims its officers were told not to confront protesters at the restaurant. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley spoke to community members and inspected the damage during a visit to the synagogue on Tuesday. She urged the prime minister to convene a national cabinet meeting and wants the government to reveal its plans to protect Jewish Australians. Anthony Albanese has flagged more action from his government as it works with a special envoy on anti-Semitism, but he pushed back against hosting a national cabinet, saying people want action instead of more meetings. Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones. Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the weekly rally "odious" but said protesting was part of democracy. Protest organisers stressed they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza and leaders needed to distinguish between the IDF and Australia's Jewish community. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory" to link the anti-Semitic act with legitimate protests. Separate offenders on Saturday spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast, while a fourth incident involved offensive images spray-painted on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick. Political leaders have been accused of double standards on Palestinian Australians as action is taken over a spate of incidents involving Jewish institutions. Worshippers were forced to flee the East Melbourne Synagogue after it was firebombed on the same night Israeli restaurant Miznon in the CBD was targeted by pro-Palestine protesters. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over Friday night's synagogue firebombing. A state task force has been announced to tackle hate and examine police powers after the incidents, as federal leaders promise more action to protect Jewish Australians. Palestinian Australians have accused leaders of political silence, suspicion, hostility or surveillance when it comes to their plight and say they are met with protest crackdowns and threatened with repressive laws. "There have been no task forces, no public statements of care for Palestinians as they watch their loved ones massacred by the genocidal state of Israel, or are targeted by anti-Palestinian racism here in Australia," Australian Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni said. Mr Mashni demanded political leaders stop criminalising Palestinian resistance, grief and political expression and engage in meaningful consultation and inclusion in decisions that affect their lives and rights. "The longer political leaders ignore and avoid us, the more obvious their double standards become," he said. Miznon's owners have spoken of the "profound impact" of the incident on Friday. The demonstration outside the Hardware Lane restaurant ended with protesters smashing a glass door, up-ending tables and throwing chairs. About 20 protesters converged on the restaurant, some chanting "death to the IDF" in reference to the Israel Defence Force. Police on Tuesday charged a 50-year-old Richmond man, a 48-year-old Footscray woman and a 28-year-old Essendon woman with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after another person was arrested and then released for hindering police that night. The restaurant said the actions of a few had caused much distress to customers, patrons and staff in neighbouring restaurants. "We respect everyone's right to their own nationality and religion. We ask for the same," the owners said in an Instagram post. Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance has taken responsibility for the protest. Victoria Police has rejected claims its officers were told not to confront protesters at the restaurant. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley spoke to community members and inspected the damage during a visit to the synagogue on Tuesday. She urged the prime minister to convene a national cabinet meeting and wants the government to reveal its plans to protect Jewish Australians. Anthony Albanese has flagged more action from his government as it works with a special envoy on anti-Semitism, but he pushed back against hosting a national cabinet, saying people want action instead of more meetings. Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones. Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the weekly rally "odious" but said protesting was part of democracy. Protest organisers stressed they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza and leaders needed to distinguish between the IDF and Australia's Jewish community. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory" to link the anti-Semitic act with legitimate protests. Separate offenders on Saturday spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast, while a fourth incident involved offensive images spray-painted on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick. Political leaders have been accused of double standards on Palestinian Australians as action is taken over a spate of incidents involving Jewish institutions. Worshippers were forced to flee the East Melbourne Synagogue after it was firebombed on the same night Israeli restaurant Miznon in the CBD was targeted by pro-Palestine protesters. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over Friday night's synagogue firebombing. A state task force has been announced to tackle hate and examine police powers after the incidents, as federal leaders promise more action to protect Jewish Australians. Palestinian Australians have accused leaders of political silence, suspicion, hostility or surveillance when it comes to their plight and say they are met with protest crackdowns and threatened with repressive laws. "There have been no task forces, no public statements of care for Palestinians as they watch their loved ones massacred by the genocidal state of Israel, or are targeted by anti-Palestinian racism here in Australia," Australian Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni said. Mr Mashni demanded political leaders stop criminalising Palestinian resistance, grief and political expression and engage in meaningful consultation and inclusion in decisions that affect their lives and rights. "The longer political leaders ignore and avoid us, the more obvious their double standards become," he said. Miznon's owners have spoken of the "profound impact" of the incident on Friday. The demonstration outside the Hardware Lane restaurant ended with protesters smashing a glass door, up-ending tables and throwing chairs. About 20 protesters converged on the restaurant, some chanting "death to the IDF" in reference to the Israel Defence Force. Police on Tuesday charged a 50-year-old Richmond man, a 48-year-old Footscray woman and a 28-year-old Essendon woman with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after another person was arrested and then released for hindering police that night. The restaurant said the actions of a few had caused much distress to customers, patrons and staff in neighbouring restaurants. "We respect everyone's right to their own nationality and religion. We ask for the same," the owners said in an Instagram post. Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance has taken responsibility for the protest. Victoria Police has rejected claims its officers were told not to confront protesters at the restaurant. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley spoke to community members and inspected the damage during a visit to the synagogue on Tuesday. She urged the prime minister to convene a national cabinet meeting and wants the government to reveal its plans to protect Jewish Australians. Anthony Albanese has flagged more action from his government as it works with a special envoy on anti-Semitism, but he pushed back against hosting a national cabinet, saying people want action instead of more meetings. Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones. Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the weekly rally "odious" but said protesting was part of democracy. Protest organisers stressed they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza and leaders needed to distinguish between the IDF and Australia's Jewish community. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory" to link the anti-Semitic act with legitimate protests. Separate offenders on Saturday spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast, while a fourth incident involved offensive images spray-painted on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick. Political leaders have been accused of double standards on Palestinian Australians as action is taken over a spate of incidents involving Jewish institutions. Worshippers were forced to flee the East Melbourne Synagogue after it was firebombed on the same night Israeli restaurant Miznon in the CBD was targeted by pro-Palestine protesters. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over Friday night's synagogue firebombing. A state task force has been announced to tackle hate and examine police powers after the incidents, as federal leaders promise more action to protect Jewish Australians. Palestinian Australians have accused leaders of political silence, suspicion, hostility or surveillance when it comes to their plight and say they are met with protest crackdowns and threatened with repressive laws. "There have been no task forces, no public statements of care for Palestinians as they watch their loved ones massacred by the genocidal state of Israel, or are targeted by anti-Palestinian racism here in Australia," Australian Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni said. Mr Mashni demanded political leaders stop criminalising Palestinian resistance, grief and political expression and engage in meaningful consultation and inclusion in decisions that affect their lives and rights. "The longer political leaders ignore and avoid us, the more obvious their double standards become," he said. Miznon's owners have spoken of the "profound impact" of the incident on Friday. The demonstration outside the Hardware Lane restaurant ended with protesters smashing a glass door, up-ending tables and throwing chairs. About 20 protesters converged on the restaurant, some chanting "death to the IDF" in reference to the Israel Defence Force. Police on Tuesday charged a 50-year-old Richmond man, a 48-year-old Footscray woman and a 28-year-old Essendon woman with assault, affray, riotous behaviour and criminal damage after another person was arrested and then released for hindering police that night. The restaurant said the actions of a few had caused much distress to customers, patrons and staff in neighbouring restaurants. "We respect everyone's right to their own nationality and religion. We ask for the same," the owners said in an Instagram post. Whistleblowers, Activists and Communities Alliance has taken responsibility for the protest. Victoria Police has rejected claims its officers were told not to confront protesters at the restaurant. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley spoke to community members and inspected the damage during a visit to the synagogue on Tuesday. She urged the prime minister to convene a national cabinet meeting and wants the government to reveal its plans to protect Jewish Australians. Anthony Albanese has flagged more action from his government as it works with a special envoy on anti-Semitism, but he pushed back against hosting a national cabinet, saying people want action instead of more meetings. Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones. Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the weekly rally "odious" but said protesting was part of democracy. Protest organisers stressed they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza and leaders needed to distinguish between the IDF and Australia's Jewish community. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory" to link the anti-Semitic act with legitimate protests. Separate offenders on Saturday spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast, while a fourth incident involved offensive images spray-painted on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick.
Canberra Times
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Canberra Times
Double standards claim over synagogue attack response
"There have been no task forces, no public statements of care for Palestinians as they watch their loved ones massacred by the genocidal state of Israel, or are targeted by anti-Palestinian racism here in Australia," Australian Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni said.
