Two Federal MPs in Perth’s south have joined the ranks of politicians to speak out about the Israel-Hamas war as rhetoric around the conflict comes under scrutiny.
It comes amidst news of just how Australia will involve itself, including an announcement the Federal Government will be providing $15 million in humanitarian assistance to Gaza and the West Bank.
Food, water, medical care and other services will be delivered through “trusted partners” such as the Red Cross, Red Crescent Movement and UNICEF.
Tangey MP Sam Lim shared his thoughts in a formal statement last week in response to correspondence from “concerned constituents” about the conflict.
In his statement, Mr Lim said innocent Palestinian civilians “should not suffer” because of the “outrages” perpetrated by Hamas.
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire,” he said.
“Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people and undermines the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.
“We have already witnessed a devastating loss of life and innocent civilians on all sides are suffering.
“I reiterate what the Prime Minister has said: every innocent life matters, whether Israeli or Palestinian.”
The Labor MP spoke out as devastating scenes continue to rock the world, the death toll in Gaza surpasses 8000 and Israel reels from Hamas attacks and those held hostage.
Fremantle MP Josh Wilson spoke at length in a Parliamentary speech last month, where he both condemned the Hamas attacks and “urged for restraint” within Gaza.
“I condemn utterly the terrorist attack by Hamas on the people of Israel,” he said.
“I cannot imagine the web of agony that has spread throughout families and communities in Israel itself.”
While Mr Wilson said it was both “understandable and legitimate” that Israel would respond to Hamas’ actions, he also rebuked claims from the other side of Australian politics that restraint should not be used.
“When the Leader of the Opposition says that there should be no calls for restraint in relation to violence directed at those who have shown no restraint, he appears to be saying that in such circumstances anything goes, and that is wrong,” he said.
“It’s a statement that appears to ignore the fact that in every war the greater suffering is borne by innocent civilians, and that is the case right now.
“More than 1000 civilians were killed in the attacks by Hamas. More than 2000 civilians have died already in Gaza as a result of the aerial bombardment by Israel.”
Mr Wilson urged for a “cessation of violence” in the weeks ahead, including the condemnation of international law breaches such as “collective punishment”, but did not align that term with a side.
Industry Minister Ed Husic, the first Muslim to be elected to Federal Parliament, spoke out last week to criticise Israel over the “collective punishment” of Palestinians, which he said was a war crime under the Geneva Conventions.