The Australian Greens released the following necessary statement yesterday:
Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown has called on acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard to add Australia’s weight to calls on Israel to end the gross and disproportionate violence and bombing of Palestinians in the Gaza strip.
“We call on the acting Prime Minister to speak out against the violent and disproportionate action by Israeli leaders which has lead to the death of 400 Palestinians including many women, children and innocent men,” Greens Leader Bob Brown said today.
“Australia’s voice should also be raised against the threat of an imminent invasion of Gaza by the Israeli army and instead push for internationally brokered peace talks.
“The Greens have consistently condemned violence from both sides, including the rocket attacks on Israel.
“Australia should be active at the United Nations in condemning the violence and promoting an international peace operation.
“The Rudd Government’s record is woeful.… It voted down a Greens Senate resolution in December – before this recent violence started – calling for Israel to lift its ban on foreign journalists entering Gaza,” Senator Brown said.