Australian Government States There is No Equivalence Between Israel and Hamas
Unlike the United States and the UK, the Australian government has not expressed its stance on the ICC’s proposed arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister.
The Australian government has stated that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas. They continue to refrain from taking a position on the International Criminal Court’s proposed arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
On May 20, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan surprised many by announcing a request to charge the leaders of Israel and Hamas with war crimes and human rights violations.
This move by Mr. Khan drew criticism from U.S. President Joe Biden and his administration, who argued that the ICC lacked jurisdiction over Israel and Hamas.
Both the United States and the UK officials emphasized that there was no moral equivalence between Israel and Hamas in the ongoing conflict.
While the Australian government refrained from taking a position on the ICC prosecutor’s actions, they reiterated their focus on condemning the terrorist acts committed by Hamas and advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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Instead, the prime minister emphasized the government’s focus on condemning Hamas for their terrorist activities and advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticized Mr. Albanese for his stance and accused him of damaging Australia’s relationships with allies by not standing alongside President Biden.
Not An Issue For Australia to Comment: DFAT
Following Mr. Albanese’s comments, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) stated that the Australian government respected the ICC and its role in upholding international law.
“The decision on whether to issue arrest warrants is a matter for the Court in the independent exercise of its functions,” a DFAT spokesperson told The Epoch Times.
“It is not appropriate to comment on matters before the court.”
However, the DFAT clarified the government’s position on the equivalence between Israel and Hamas.
“There is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas. Hamas is a terrorist organization, proscribed as such in Australia,” the spokesperson said.
“Australia has been unequivocal in condemning its terrorist actions and continues to call for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages.”
The spokesperson also emphasized that any nation under attack by Hamas has the right to defend itself.
“And in defending itself, every nation must abide by the same fundamental rules. Israel is obligated to comply with international humanitarian law,” the spokesperson added.
DFAT’s statement was supported by Treasure Jim Chalmers, who highlighted that the issuance of arrest warrants was a matter for the ICC to address.
“As Australians, our priority is to see an end to the violence and killing of innocent individuals in Gaza.”
Meanwhile, opposition Senate leader Simon Birmingham aligned with the government in rejecting any notion of equivalence between Hamas and Israel.
However, he noted that it was inappropriate for the ICC’s chief prosecutor to seek the arrest of representatives of a democratically elected government alongside leaders of a terrorist organization.
“The ICC’s responsibility is to complement a nation’s legal system, not replace it.”
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison criticized the ICC, stating that it had compromised its legitimacy by equating a terrorist organization with a nation acting in self-defense.
