The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) is extremely disappointed by the Australian Government vote at the United Nations General Assembly on the resolution introduced by the State of Palestine to end Israel’s unlawful presence and military occupation in Palestine, allow the return of displaced Palestinians and make reparations to Palestinians for damages caused by Israel’s illegal occupation.
The resolution, based on the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice ruling in July, called on member states to comply with their obligation under international law to promote the right of Palestinians to self determination, support accountability for all parties, and abstain from any actions that may further entrench the Israeli occupation, including diplomatic and economic treaties.
While New Zealand, France and a number of other European states voted in favor of the resolution, Australia shamefully chose to abstain, yet again undermining the rights of the Palestinian people to peace, safety and self determination. This step exposes stark inconsistencies between statements issued by the Australian government, including ALP internal policies with regards to Palestinian recognition and the actions they take on the matter.
“The responsibility to act on the ICJ ruling sits with the general assembly and its members. Australia, as a respected middle power, missed a significant opportunity to take a leadership role in ending the occupation of Palestine and ending the Gaza genocide. Our government claims to support the International Law and the ruling of the ICJ but by failing to support this resolution, its actions say otherwise.
It has been clear for decades that Israel’s occupation is illegal. Palestine and the Palestinians need member states to act, the time for statements of concern have ended, it is time for tangible actions. Whilst the Gaza genocide is live streamed all over the world with the daily horrors broadcast to our handsets, it is clear now that Israel will not stop without decisive intervention from third party states.” says Nasser Mashni, APAN President.
The UNGA member states have overwhelmingly voted in support of the resolution, with 124 – 12 and 43 countries abstaining, as it calls on Israel to end its illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories within a year.