Gaza

Like so many people across the world, I am horrified by the ongoing situation in Gaza. 

I know that many people across Curtin share this feeling, with constituents contacting me daily regarding the continued conflict. 

The vast majority express extreme distress at the senseless loss of innocent lives and urge me to advocate for an immediate ceasefire. 

I am deeply saddened by the loss of life of an Australian aid worker, along with six other aid workers in Gaza killed by an Israel Defence Forces Air strike whilst providing essential aid.  I will liaise with the offices of Prime Minister Albanese and Senator Wong as they seek a full and proper explanation from the Israeli government about this incident. My thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of these aid workers.  They were trying to alleviate the suffering in Gaza and should have been protected by international humanitarian law.

I am also particularly worried about the Israeli attacks on Rafah - a location where the Israeli government said civilians in Gaza would be safe.  Around 1.7 million people are seeking refuge in Rafah and it is unconscionable to escalate attacks in the region.

I continue to meet and correspond with Senator Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, to advocate for:

  • Australia to call for an enduring ceasefire,

  • the release of all remaining hostages,

  • an increase in humanitarian funding,

  • compliance with international and humanitarian law (including abiding by the ICJ interim rules), and

  • public condemnation of any breach of these laws.   

Minister Wong recently wrote to me acknowledging my previous correspondence on this issue and the joint letter from me and the crossbench sent 29 February 2024. Minister Wong informed me that the Government is using Australia’s voice to advocate for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, as demonstrated by its vote at the United Nations. The Government is also using its voice to express Australia’s serious concerns about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, and that international law must be upheld as well as advocating for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages by Hamas.

Further, Minister Wong set out the Government’s increased commitment of an additional $21.5 million in humanitarian assistance which will bring Australian’s total humanitarian contribution since this conflict began to $52.5 million.  This is in addition to the $20.6 million funding already provided to UNRWA.  This additional aid includes:

  • the supply of 140 Australian Defence Force aerial delivery parachutes for use in humanitarian assistance airdrops by Jordan and the United Arab Emirates;

  • $4 million to UNICEF to provide urgent services;

  • $2 million to the new mechanism of the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza to facilitate expanded humanitarian access to Gaza.  

As previously notified by the Government, it will resume funding UNRWA, disbursing $6 million to its flash appeal following confirmation of a new funding arrangement with strict conditions such as staff neutrality and confidence in supply chains.

To date, I have spoken publicly about this conflict sparingly due to the potential to further disrupt social cohesion here in Australia, but I have spoken about these issues at community events and responded to emails from constituents.   Australians of all backgrounds should feel safe and free on our shores without fear of being subject to racial slurs or vilification.  I condemn any antisemitic or Islamophobic language directed as a result of this conflict to those living in Australia. 

I acknowledge that atrocities have been committed against Israeli civilians by Hamas, and that the response from the Israeli government has taken an unacceptable toll in civilian lives in Gaza. Both have resulted in women and children suffering disproportionately. 

I acknowledge that nothing I can say will satisfy those who believe the Israeli government’s response constitutes genocide on the Palestinian people or those who fear for the ongoing existence of the State of Israel.   

As a civil and tolerant nation, we must hold tightly to the democratic values that enable diverse and pluralist communities.  I urge the Government to do everything it can to uphold these values, to promote respect and compliance with international law and to unite Australian communities.

 

Kate Chaney MP

As at 3 April 2024