Labor MP says political solution needed to end Israel-Hamas conflict
Labor MP Julian Hill says there needs to be a political solution between ‘all parties’ to put a permanent end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Labor MP Julian Hill says it is important to acknowledge the “history and complexity” of the war in Gaza, which did not begin on October 7 but was part of 75 years of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
Mr Hill said there needed to be a political solution between “all parties” to put a permanent end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, saying the troubles in the region went far beyond the October 7 terror attack that precipitated the military assault in Gaza.
“We need to acknowledge the history and the complexity,” Mr Hill, who represents the multicultural Melbourne seat of Bruce, told ABC radio on Friday.
“This didn’t just start on October the 7th as many people in my community know, viscerally. This is a 75-year-old conflict.”
Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council executive director Colin Rubenstein said Mr Hill was partly right that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could be resolved only through a political solution.
“However, it is equally clear that no such solution can ever be achieved as long as Hamas, which has always been dedicated to the violent destruction of Israel, remains in control over Gaza,” Dr Rubenstein said.
“Hopefully, after the current conflict achieves the essential step of removing Hamas from power, a Palestinian leadership can be empowered that will finally accept a version of the numerous two-state peace offers Israel has already made over 20 years, yet so far have been rejected by the Palestinian leadership.”
Mr Hill condemned the pro-Palestine protest outside a Melbourne hotel this week aimed at Israeli visitors whose families had died in the October 7 terror attack.
“It was disgraceful, I condemn it without hesitation,” he said. “This is Australia. This is not who we are. We need to lower the temperature.”
He said it was important to prevent “ancient hatreds” from leading to violence in Australia.
“I’m really worried about social cohesion,” he said.
Labor has been divided on the response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, with western Sydney MPs Ed Husic and Tony Burke among those who have raised concern about the Jewish state’s response to the Hamas attack.
Anthony Albanese on Friday said it was “complete nonsense” to suggest the government had been slow to speak out against growing anti-Semitism.
“We responded clearly, unequivocally,” the Prime Minister told Melbourne’s radio 3AW.
“I have spoken out against racism in all its forms, including anti-Semitism my whole life.”
War will end when Israel’s foes stop attacking it
Hamas began hostilities on October 7 when it invaded southern Israel and began slaughtering and kidnapping Israelis. Only an evil or foolish leader would start a war. But nations are entitled to defend themselves against attack.
Australia is not the same country — but too many are in denial
Since the October 7 attacks, Australian values have been traduced. What is happening affects the entire country and the collective impact is profound.