Australia is working closely with the UK and other allies to exert pressure on the Zionist Entity to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to uphold longstanding norms protecting aid workers. The Australian government has expressed explicit support for the UK’s decision to curb arms exports to the Zionist entity, positioning itself in opposition to the US, which reportedly warned the UK against this action. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has emphasized Australia’s commitment to working with international partners to drive significant changes in the situation in Gaza.
The Australian government’s stance represents a more critical perspective on Zionist entity’s actions in Gaza, where approximately 41,000 Palestinians have been killed over the past 11 months. Facing increasing domestic pressure, the Australian Labor government is urged to take a stronger stand. Although Labor has advocated for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, it has been cautious about labeling Zionist actions as genocide or imposing sanctions on Zionist officials.
The UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently announced a suspension of 30 out of 350 arms licenses to Zionist entity, citing concerns over potential violations of international humanitarian law. Wong welcomed this decision, stating that it aligns with Australia’s advocacy for protecting Palestinians. Australia has not supplied weapons to Zionist entity in recent years and has only approved permits for items returning to Australia for defense and law enforcement purposes.
The UK’s suspension of arms exports does not include components for the F-35 fighter jet program, which remains unaffected due to its global nature. Critics, including pro-Palestine campaigners and the Greens, continue to scrutinize Australia’s involvement in the F-35 supply chain and call for a reduction in military trade with the Zionist entity.
