Labor lashed for UN Israel stance

The Coalition and the Greens have condemned the Albanese government for abstaining on a United Nations resolution calling for an ‘immediate humanitarian truce’ in Gaza.

Peter Dutton says the Albanese government should have opposed a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The Coalition and Greens have condemned the Albanese government for abstaining on a UN resolution calling for an “immediate humanitarian truce” in Gaza.

Peter Dutton said the government should have joined with the US, Israel and 12 other nations that voted against the non-binding resolution at the UN General Assembly.

Australia was among 45 nations that abstained from the vote, while 120 countries were in favour of the text, first proposed by Jordan in the name of 22 Arab countries.

“We should have been standing with our longstanding allies, including the United States, in support of Israel,” Mr Dutton told Sky News.

“The fact that (Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) hasn’t yet taken a phone call from Anthony Albanese three weeks post the 7th of October is a very significant moment for us to contemplate.”

Other countries that abstained from the vote included the UK, Germany, Canada, Japan, Iraq and India.

France, New Zealand, China, Ireland, Spain, Singapore and Switzerland are among the nations that backed the motion.

The resolution, which called for “an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities”, was endorsed by Hamas. “We demand its immediate application to allow the entry of fuel and humanitarian aid for civilians,” said a Hamas statement.

Greens leader Adam Bandt said Labor “failed to vote with most of the world for a ceasefire at the UN General Assembly”.

“Labor cannot wash its hands of what happens now,” he said.

“By failing to back a ceasefire and continuing to approve defence exports to Israel, Labor shares responsibility for the unfolding catastrophe in Gaza.

“Labor has backed Israel’s military cutting off communications for civilians, aid workers and journalists, plunging Gaza into darkness and hiding the horror of what happens next.

“Instead of working hand in glove with the US, Labor should be using Australia’s diplomatic pressure to demand an immediate ceasefire and an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine so that Israelis and Palestinians can have a just and lasting peace.”

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin accused the Greens of “victim blaming”.

“Evil must be confronted, not placated. A truce or ceasefire would only leave Hamas in control of Gaza, allowing them to replenish their arms and plot their next move,” he said.

“Anyone genuinely concerned for the plight of the hostages and civilians … should be demanding the unconditional surrender of Hamas and the immediate release of hostages held in breach of international law and basic humanity.”

ADDITIONAL REPORTING: AFP