In a significant policy shift, Australia has joined an international call for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This change in stance was marked by Australia’s vote in favour of a United Nations resolution, aligning with 152 other nations. This resolution emphasises the urgent need for a ceasefire and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The vote on Tuesday 12 December in New York at the United Nations General Assembly witnessed Australia supporting a resolution for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. This move represents a departure from Australia’s previous abstention in late October on a similar motion. At that time, the Albanese government had expressed reservations about the resolution not mentioning Hamas’s role in the conflict.

The resolution was passed with over 82% support and was followed by widespread applause around the UN General Assembly Hall.

Many within the Australian Muslim community, as well as broader sections of the population, have expressed concerns that the government’s shift in policy came later than it should have.

Critics argue that the delay in adopting a more rational and humanitarian stance has already dealt a significant blow to the Labor party’s support, not only among Muslims but also among non-Muslim Australians.

This sentiment reflects the community’s frustration with the perceived tardiness of political leaders in responding to critical international issues, particularly those involving human rights and humanitarian crises.

It highlights the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population. It underscores the necessity of protecting both Palestinian and Israeli civilian populations in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Australia’s ambassador to the UN, James Larsen, commented on the evolving nature of Australia’s position, emphasising the importance of humanitarian aid and the steps towards a sustainable and permanent ceasefire. The resolution calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities to facilitate urgent humanitarian assistance.

Penny Wong, Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, stated that the decision was part of a collective statement reflecting the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. She further remarked that the resolution had broad support from like-minded partners and was not a unilateral decision by Australia.

A joint statement from Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese (Australia), Chris Luxon (New Zealand), and Justin Trudeau (Canada) has also been released, supporting a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza. The statement condemns Hamas’s attack on 7 October and calls for respect for international humanitarian law in defending civilians.

The leaders reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution, opposing the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, the reoccupation of Gaza, and any reduction in territory. They emphasised that there is no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza, and also condemned rising antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiment.

Australia’s new position on the Gaza conflict signifies a notable shift in its foreign policy, aligning more closely with international humanitarian concerns. The decision is welcomed by many within the Australian Muslim community, who have been deeply concerned about the ongoing crisis in Gaza and its impact on Palestinian civilians.

This move by the Australian government demonstrates a commitment to peace and the protection of human rights in one of the world’s most protracted and complex conflicts.