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By Australian Greens MP Adam Bandt
Responding to reports that the US has just approved the immediate transfer of grenades and mortar rounds to the Israeli armed forces, Greens Acting Leader Adam Bandt says Tony Abbott should pressure the United States over its continued arming of the Israeli government during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“Australia cannot stand idly by while its ally arms one side of the conflict in Gaza,” said Mr Bandt.
“Any further temporary ceasefire is threatened if the US simply uses the time to rearm the more powerful side of the conflict.”
“The Greens reiterate our support and commitment to the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Palestinian and Israeli people to live in peace and security in their own independent, sovereign states.”
“The Abbott government has been fulsome in its condemnation of Hamas, but its silence on the actions of the Israeli government has been deafening.”
“Now is the time to push for peace and Tony Abbott should do everything he can to pressure the US to stop providing arms to the conflict.”
“The Israeli government’s bombing of Gaza and ground offensive has put the might of its military force against the Palestinian people and this has not been proportionate to the Hamas rocket attacks.”
“Tony Abbott has options to put the hard word on Barack Obama.”
“Australia could, for example, suspend the basing of US troops in Darwin until the United States pulls back from restocking the Israeli government and taking sides in the conflict, which is diminishing the chances of lasting peace.”
08/03/2014 – 00:00
