Victorian Greens vote against motion to condemn Hamas for attacks on Israel

The Victorian Greens have voted against a motion in parliament to condemn Hamas for their massacre of civilians in Israel after the Premier called the attacks “simply inconceivable”.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan Premier has formally condemned the attacks on Israel by Hamas as ‘simply inconceivable’.

The Victorian Greens have voted against a motion in parliament to condemn Palestinian militant group Hamas for their massacre of civilians in Israel.

Premier Jacinta Allan on Tuesday introduced a motion that “unequivocally condemns” the attacks on Israel by Hamas.

In a motion to the parliament the Premier formally condemned the attacks by Hamas as “simply inconceivable”.

“They hate their neighbours’ children more than they love their own,” she said.

“There are two million men, women and children in Gaza. All have an undeniable right to prosperity and peace.

“Hamas has a responsibility to deliver prosperity and peace. They have not done that.”

The second component of the government’s motion was that it also “stands with Israel and recognises its inherent right to defend itself”.

Jacinta Allan says she will continue to work with the local Jewish community to ensure they feel safe. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

But the four minor party MPs refused to support the motion after its bid to scrap that component was ultimately voted down by every other MP.

The Greens wanted that component to be replaced to also condemn the “war crimes perpetrated by the state of Israel, including the bombing of Palestinian civilians” and recognise that for “there to be peace there must be an end to the state of Israel’s illegal occupation of the Palestinian Territories”.

Greens leader Samantha Ratnam said the party refused to support the motion ahead of a “looming invasion of Gaza”.

“We cannot support statements that could be used as cover for breaking international humanitarian law, or the attacking of innocent civilians,” she said.

“The situation in Israel and Palestine is a humanitarian disaster.

“That’s why the Greens are calling for an immediate ceasefire, for governments around the world to push for a lasting peace, and for an end to the State of Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.

“Further violence is not the solution to acts of violence. Acts of vengeance are not acts of justice.”

Jacinta Allan on Tuesday pledged to provide any support needed by Victoria’s Jewish communities and committed to fast-track new laws that make it an offence to perform the Nazi salute.

Ms Allan attended a pro-Israel rally on the steps of parliament on Tuesday morning with Deputy Premier Ben Carroll and Opposition Leader John Pesutto.

Ms Allan said she would continue to work with the local Jewish community to ensure they felt safe.

Victorian Greens leader Samantha Ratnam. Picture: Luis Ascui

That will include fast-tracking laws to ban the Nazi salute, making it a criminal offence from as early as this weekend.

The legislation is due to pass Victoria’s upper house on Tuesday, and Ms Allan said the government would implement those laws “without delay”, by officially making it a crime to perform the offensive gesture as early as this weekend.

“I’m prepared to offer any support you need to stay safe on our streets, in your schools and in your homes,” she said.

“I can’t begin to imagine the feeling of having to deal with this pain and sorrow. I will never truly know, but this community knows.

“As the Premier of this state, I hear you, I feel your anguish and on behalf of the Victorian community I offer you nothing less than our love, our care, our support and our friendship.

“We will stand with you. Our government and society does not tolerate racism and will never tolerate anti-Semitism. Our door remains open to you and to your ways.”

Zionism Victoria president Yossi Goldfarb said it was “truly heartwarming” to watch both the Premier and opposition leader offer “such vociferous condemnation of the atrocities committed against Israel”.