Over 200 Australian politicians sign letter supporting Palestine, demand gov’t to reconsider relations with Israel

Sydney (QNN) – A letter signed by over 200 current and former Australian politicians from the Liberal, Labor, and Greens parties, including two former foreign ministers, urges the Australian government to reconsider its relationship with the occupying state of Israel.

Organized by NSW Greens MP Jenny Leong and NSW Labor upper house member Anthony D’Adam, the letter calls for a ceasefire and expresses solidarity with Palestinians, who the signatories argue have faced significant human rights abuses by Israel.

This move marks a departure for some New South Wales government MPs, notably in contrast to Premier Chris Minns, who has previously expressed strong support for Israel and the local Jewish community.

The bipartisan group advocates for Australia to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state and reevaluate its alliances. The letter asserts the need for the Australian government to critically assess its relationship with Israel, focusing on contributing positively to the resolution of the “intolerable and dangerous situation” in occupied Palestine.

The signatories assert that Israel pursues policies reinforcing “the domination of one people over another in the territories of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.”

Prominent figures among the 203 signatories include former Labor deputy prime minister Brian Howe, former Labor foreign ministers Bob Carr and Gareth Evans, and former Liberal minister for immigration Ian Macphee.

Various NSW Labor parliamentarians and current and former Greens MPs and leaders have also endorsed the letter. Responding to the decision of her colleagues to sign the letter, NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car emphasized the government’s commitment to social cohesion and community support.

The letter reflects a divergence from previous party messaging, with several signatories having previously expressed public support for the Palestinian cause. Premier Chris Minns, in particular, drew controversy for his stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which included lighting the Sydney Opera House in the colors of the Israeli flag and attending a vigil for Sydney’s Jewish community.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has signaled a shift in his public position, calling for a “sustainable ceasefire” in Gaza alongside the leaders of New Zealand and Canada.

Australia has also voted in favor of a ceasefire in the United Nations General Assembly, a departure from its abstention in a previous vote on the matter in October.