The former Australian foreign affairs minister, Bob Carr, has called on the federal government to impose sanctions on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and swiftly recognize Palestinian statehood. Carr argues that such actions would convey a strong message of disapproval towards what he describes as the “deliberate starvation” of Gaza.
In his remarks, Carr, who also served as the premier of New South Wales, commended Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent condemnation of Israel. Albanese accused Netanyahu’s government of blocking aid and causing civilian deaths, including those of children, seeking basic necessities like water and food.
Calls for Decisive Action
Despite Albanese’s strong words, Carr insists that Australia should take a leadership role in addressing the humanitarian crisis, following France’s example in recognizing a Palestinian state. “The PM’s instinct is right, but I reckon the Australian public wants him to push further and harder,” Carr stated, emphasizing the need for decisive action rather than waiting for other countries like the UK or the US to move first.
His sentiments were echoed by Labor MP and former cabinet minister Ed Husic, who asserted, “The time is now.” Albanese’s latest statement, made on Friday, marked his strongest condemnation yet of the dire situation in Gaza, where international humanitarian organizations have raised alarms over starvation and malnutrition.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Reports indicate that at least 45 individuals have died of hunger in the past four days alone. The United Nations and various aid groups attribute the severe shortage of food to Israel’s blockade, which has restricted nearly all aid from entering the territory. Despite these alarming developments, Albanese’s statement did not include any new actions or specific responses.
In light of previous actions taken by Australia, such as travel bans and financial sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers in June, Carr suggests similar measures should be applied to Netanyahu. “They need to sanction Netanyahu,” Carr emphasized. “He’s directing this operation … subjecting the civilian population to collective punishment, including mass starvation.”
International and Domestic Reactions
Amir Maimon, Israel’s ambassador to Australia, defended his country’s actions, stating that Israel is “not only entitled but obligated under international law” to protect its citizens. “To condemn Israel for defending itself is wrong,” Maimon wrote, urging the international community to focus on Hamas as the root cause of the conflict.
Meanwhile, Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong described the withholding of essential food aid from Palestinian children as “indefensible” and labeled the situation in Gaza as “beyond the world’s worst fears.” During a press conference in Sydney, Wong reiterated Australia’s commitment to a two-state solution and the need for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the flow of aid.
Historical Context and Policy Implications
Bob Carr, who served as the NSW premier from 1995 to 2005 and as federal foreign affairs minister from 2012 to 2013, highlighted that recognizing a Palestinian state has been a longstanding policy within the Labor Party. He recalled moving a motion for such recognition at the 2014 NSW Labor conference, noting it likely has majority support among Australians.
“Recognition sends a message that we are turned inside out with disgust by what appears the deliberate starvation of the nation, identified as drip feeding,” Carr said. “I have not the faintest doubt it has majority support. People are coming up to me regularly and saying, ‘keep up what you’re doing on Palestine’. That’s unusual. The message has gotten out there.”
Labor sources report growing discontent within the party’s membership over the Gaza crisis. The Labor Friends of Palestine, an internal advocacy group, has drafted a motion urging the Australian government to sanction the Israeli government. This motion has reportedly been adopted by 80 local branches.
Future Prospects and Global Impact
As tensions continue to escalate, the call for recognizing Palestinian statehood and imposing sanctions on Israel is gaining traction within Australia. Labor MP Ed Husic told the ABC, “There will be a number of countries that will do so, and given our party has said we want to do this, it seems right that the time is now for us to step forward and say we will recognize the state of Palestine now.”
With the Victorian state conference approaching in August, similar motions may be debated, reflecting the increasing urgency and pressure on the Australian government to take a definitive stance. The international community watches closely as Australia navigates its foreign policy decisions amidst a complex and evolving geopolitical landscape.
