Gaza

Constituents contact me daily regarding the war in Gaza and I share the feelings of distress and desperation felt by so many people.

The Hamas terrorist attacks on 7 October 2023 were horrific- about 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage.  This triggered a massive Israeli military offensive in Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. It has taken an unacceptable toll on civilian lives. I hear your calls for action.  

I support the State of Israel’s right to defend itself and specifically to recover its hostages. The people of Israel have endured unspeakable horrors in the past and they continue to live in a state of uncertainty and fear.   But it is difficult to accept that the continual bombardment of Gaza over 15 months and the scale of civilian deaths is justifiable.  Australia must insist that Israel and all parties to this conflict comply with international law.  

I am hopeful that the current ceasefire will hold for the agreed six-weeks and beyond. For the sake of the hostages and their families, and the displaced and injured families in Gaza, I hope that all ceasefire commitments are fulfilled. 

I believe that for peace to ever be achieved in this region, a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine must be agreed. To be successful, surrounding countries will need to recognise Israel’s right to exist and Israel will need to recognise the right of Palestinians to their own state.  

Almost half of us in Australia were born overseas or have a parent who was born overseas.  Australians of all backgrounds should feel safe and free here without fear of being subject to racial slurs or vilification.  I condemn any antisemitic or Islamophobic language directed to anyone living in Australia.   

Australia is a culturally diverse, civil and tolerant nation. We must hold tightly to the democratic values that underpin our national identity and enable diverse communities.