Greens Leader Commends Local Pro-Palestine Protests for Role in Israel-Hamas Ceasefire
The Greens leader reiterated his party’s pro-Palestine stance and called for additional sanctions against Israel.
Australian Greens Leader Adam Bandt attributed the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas to local pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
In a statement released on Jan. 16 following the unexpected deal before the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Bandt advocated for continued activism until the state of Israel was dismantled.
The Israel-Hamas agreement includes the release of hostages and a six-week ceasefire, marking a pause in the 15-month conflict that began with Hamas forces’ surprise invasion and massacre of Israeli civilians on Oct. 7, 2023.
“The millions of individuals who have peacefully protested week after week over the past year, including in Australia, deserve credit for today’s ceasefire news,” Bandt remarked.
“While the six-week ceasefire is a positive initial step, it must be lasting, and we must see an end to the occupation of Palestine.”
Bandt focused on Israel’s “invasion of Gaza” and emphasized the Greens’ stance on the release of hostages and prevention of Gaza invasion, criticizing Labor and Liberal parties for supporting the invasion.
The Greens called for a permanent ceasefire with the dismantling of Israel, along with various actions against the Middle Eastern democratic nation, such as arms trade prohibition, sanctions on Israeli MPs, and Australian support for South Africa’s case against Israel in the International Court of Justice.
The ceasefire will proceed in stages, starting with Israel’s withdrawal from populated Gaza areas and the exchange of hostages and remains for convicted Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
Opposition Cites ‘Lack of Leadership’
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton expressed hope that the ceasefire deal news would improve Australia’s social cohesion.
Dutton condemned the mistreatment of Jewish Australians and denounced the lack of leadership that he believed empowered Hamas.
