Labor MP Says Australian Cabinet Considering Sanctions on Israel

Australia has so far not joined the UK, France and Canada in threatening sanctions on Israel.

Federal Member for Chifley Ed Husic at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Thursday, December 10, 2020. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Former cabinet minister Ed Husic says the Labor government is considering sanctions in response to humanitarian aid restrictions into Gaza.

“I suspect it’s (sanctions) probably under active consideration, drawing up a list of targeted sanctions where we can join with others,” he told ABC Breakfast News.

Despite the strong criticism, Australia has so far not joined the UK, France and Canada in threatening penalties.

While welcoming the government’s stronger language this week, the Muslim MP Husic said more decisive action was needed.

“I think we should be calling in the Israeli ambassador to stress that Australia, as a member of the international community, expects that humanitarian aid, particularly medical supplies, be delivered, that we ramp up our aid as well,” he added.

In an opinion piece for The Guardian, Husic went further, blaming the government for not moving in step with its allies.

“Australia could have proudly joined them. We didn’t.”

PM Issues Strongest Statement Yet

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on May 26 issued his sharpest criticism yet of Israel’s blockade—aimed at curbing supplies to terror group Hamas—describing the restrictions as “completely unacceptable.”

“It is outrageous that there be a blockade of food and supplies to people who are in need in Gaza,” he said in Canberra.

“We find Israel’s excuses and explanations completely untenable and without credibility. People are starving, and the idea that a democratic state withholds supply is an outrage.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong last week joined 23 other countries in calling for “a full and immediate resumption of aid to Gaza,” describing reports that 14,000 babies were at risk of dying as “horrifying.”

Netanyahu Yields to Ally Pressure on Gaza Aid

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said additional aid “will be brought in soon to the safe area after we complete the establishment of the humanitarian zone.”

In a video posted on social media platform X on May 19, Netanyahu said his decision to resume food aid after pressure from allies.

Without naming specific countries, Netanyahu said Israel’s “greatest friends in the world,” including senators, told him, “We cannot accept images of hunger, mass hunger. We cannot stand that. We will not be able to support you.”

Describing the situation as nearing a “red line” and a “dangerous point,” Netanyahu said aid would be limited and monitored to prevent Hamas from seizing supplies.