Former PMs unite to condemn Hamas attack amid rising local tensions
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has refused to be drawn into why Labor Prime Minister Paul Keating refused to put his name to a joint statement condemning the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has refused to be drawn into why Labor Prime Minister Paul Keating refused to put his name to a joint statement condemning the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel.
Mr Keating was the only living prime minister who did not sign the statement.
“I think that’s a question for Paul Keating, I would have thought. I support the positions that I’ve taken and the position in the parliament last Monday was done with overwhelming support,” Mr Albanese said when asked about the Labor icon’s absence.
“It is important that we recognise that the attacks from Hamas on Israel are worthy of absolute condemnation in an unequivocal way. It’s also important to recognise that Israel has a right to defend itself, but how it does that matters.
“And we need to make sure as well that every civilian life is valued. Whether it be Israeli or Palestinian, every innocent loss of life is a tragedy.”
Six former prime ministers warned Australians not to turn on each other amid the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
“We believe we speak for the vast majority of Australians, of all faiths and of none, when we say we stand in solidarity with Jewish Australians at this time,” they said.
“We condemn the cruel and murderous attack on Israeli families by Hamas on October 7. After raining thousands of rockets down on Israel, Hamas terrorists invaded Israel and kidnapped and murdered 1400 Israelis; young and old, women and men, children – not even babies were spared.
“It was the single largest massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust and its grotesque cruelty and violence was comparable to that of ISIS. We call for the unconditional release of all the hostages taken by Hamas.
“Likewise, we stand too with the Australian Palestinian community whose families are dying. They, too, deserve our love and support. Our nation’s success depends on us not allowing conflict overseas to turn Australians against each other.”
The letter, signed by Kevin Rudd, John Howard, Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison, called on Israel to do all it can to protect civilian life.
“On the battlefield in Israel and Gaza we do not presume to give strategic advice to Israel. But the legitimate objective of defeating Hamas must be accompanied by support and protection for the civilian population of Gaza,” the letter said.
“Israel promises it will do all it can to avoid civilian casualties, we urge it to do so with all of its humanity and skill.”
The group reiterated their support for a two-state solution.
“We call for sustained humanitarian access to ensure essential supplies can reach innocent Palestinians. We are horrified by the thousands of deaths and injuries inflicted on innocent Palestinian civilians, including many, many Palestinian children.
“We endorse, as we did in office, the Australian Government’s enduring support for a two-state solution as the basis for long-term lasting peace between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.”
The statement has been welcomed by the Zionist Federation of Australia.
“This statement reinforces the longstanding bipartisan support of Israel from successive Australian governments. The Prime Ministers’ decisions to individually sign, and jointly release such a statement today sends a message to the world that Australians understand what is right and what is wrong and will not stand back when leadership is needed the most,” President Jeremy Leibler said.
“The Prime Ministers’ words and their support have been heard across the world and demonstrates again that Australia is a country that produces leaders of moral principle.
“The fact that the former Prime Ministers are from both major political parties highlights that condemnation of Hamas and its terror campaign, and support for Israel’s right to defend itself transcends politics – it is an issue of basic morality and values.”
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co chief executive Alex Ryvchin said the letter was a “powerful rejection” of anti-Israel rallies held in Sydney.
“This letter is a powerful rejection of the incitement to hatred and violence directed at Jews in Australia at anti-Israel rallies and through irresponsible and inflammatory statements made by political leaders and preachers,” he said.
“The fact that our former prime ministers put aside ideological and political differences to stand united in rejecting terrorism and antisemitism is an example that all Australians should follow. This letter is a sober reminder of how fragile our multiculturalism is and how urgently antisemitism must be confronted.”
The Jewish communities reaction comes as Education Minister Jason Clare said there were “darker days ahead”.
“There is more bloodshed to come overseas. And with that bloodshed, more division here. More fear, more grief and more anger,” he said at the Faith-Based Education Summit.
“What’s happening on the other side of the world has an impact here in Australia. We can’t let what’s happening here pull us apart.
“That’s why days like today are important. It reminds me that in the midst of all this darkness, that we have more in common than divides us.”
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