Toowoomba’s Groom MP Garth Hamilton joins delegation to Israel by Zionist lobby group amid war in Gaza

Toowoomba federal MP Garth Hamilton has returned from a “high-level” delegation to Israel along with several federal colleagues, and the trip has raised concerns among certain activists.

Garth Hamilton has travelled to Israel as part of a delegation.

Toowoomba-based supporters of Palestine have urged Garth Hamilton to have a “balanced perspective” on the conflict between Israel and Gaza, after it was revealed the federal Groom member had made a week-long trip to the region on behalf of a Zionist lobby group.

Mr Hamilton left Thursday for the delegation, which includes federal MPs from both sides of politics, organised by the Australia Israel and Jewish Affairs Council.

The member of the Coalition was happy to reveal his travels to News Corp last week, however Mr Hamilton has not posted about the trip on social media, although it was listed on his website.

While certain details like exact locations had to remain secret due to security concerns, it is understood Mr Hamilton and the group would meet with senior political figures, journalists, academics, and community leaders in Israel, as well as members of the Palestinian Authority.

While delegations to the region have been a regular occurrence for Australian MPs, the trip comes at a critical time as the Israeli government led by prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues its severe bombing and military campaign in Gaza.

More than 30,000 Palestinians, half of which were children, have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza since Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel in October, with much of northern Gaza levelled by bombs.

More than 1100 Israelis have been killed so far, with dozens still held captive by Hamas.

The response from Israel has been considered as ethnic cleansing by several human rights experts, with the International Court of Justice considering accusations of genocide against the country’s government.

Humanitarian organisations have also warned of mass starvation in Gaza, with significant food and other essential supplies blocked from entering.

While discussions continue around a truce or ceasefire, no agreement has been reached.

Mr Hamilton said while he supported Israel, he held concerns about its conduct since the initial attack by Hamas.

“I remain a staunch supporter of Israel’s right to not just defend itself but make sure an attack like this doesn’t happen again,” he said.

“This (trip) is primarily because of the attacks on October 7, we’ll be meeting with Israeli authorities and Palestinian delegations.”

When Mr Hamilton was asked about the death toll in Gaza, he said the political landscape had “significantly changed” compared to last year.

“It’s important to understand their views and to make sure I’m seeing all the facts on the ground,” he said.

“It’s hugely complex, I’m under no pretence that it can be made simple (but) one would hope that a peaceful solution can be reached.”

A speaker at the Toowoomba Vigil for Peace in Palestine at East Creek Park, Saturday, November 25, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The trip has drawn concerns from Gerard Betros, a Toowoomba-based executive for the Labor Friends of Palestine group.

Mr Betros said he wanted Mr Hamilton to consider not just suffering in Gaza, but also the illegal settlements in the West Bank.

“I believe it’s sensible and right that our representatives get an understanding of the facts, but it’s moot whether they’re getting a balanced perspective,” he said.

“Did he go to Gaza to witness the disaster there? Did he go to the West Bank to witness what is happening there?

“In terms of whether Israel has the right to defend itself, United Nations human rights lawyer Francesca Albanese said they were occupiers, which is not in dispute, and that the Palestinian people have a legal right to defy the occupation.”

Another vigil for Palestine by the local branch of Amnesty International has been organised for the corner of Hume and Margaret Streets on Saturday, March 23 from 9.30am.