We should go under the rain. We should wash our eyes, and we should see the world in a different way. – Persian poet, Sohrab Sephri.
The article Palestine’s future: Australians are outraged was sent to me by a man who wanted a Big Ride for Palestine jersey. The article first appeared in Pearls and Irritations. We wonder if any of the legitimate questions posed by the authors, Margaret Reynolds and Stuart Rees, were ever answered by the Australian government? We provide answers to the best of our knowledge. The Australian government has washed its hands of Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Ian Curr, 18 July 2026.
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Palestine’s future: Australians are outraged
Many Australians have been shocked by the failure of the Australian Government to take decisive action when it was most needed to stop the unrelenting killing and maiming of civilians and the destruction of Gaza.
Outrage can be turned into action, so here are 10 essential questions to be asked in Parliament and in all communication with our elected representatives [We have attempted to provide answers to these questions in bold]:
1. When will the Australian Government impose sanctions on Israel for its failure to comply with international humanitarian law?
Australia has not imposed broad sanctions on the State of Israel or the Israeli government as a whole and does not intend to do so.
2. When will the Australian foreign minister withdraw Australia’s ambassador from Tel Aviv, indicating diplomatic relations will not resume until progress is made by Israel to act within international law to assist rebuilding Gaza and the rehabilitation of its people?
The Australian Government does not intend to withdraw the ambassador or make the restoration of full diplomatic relations conditional on reconstruction of Gaza or an end to Israel’s genocide.
3. When will the attorney-general detail how the Australian Government plans to comply with its obligations as a signatory to the Genocide Convention?
The Attorney-General may choose to address Australia’s obligations in Parliament, in public statements, but refuses to issue a detailed statement explaining how the Government intends to comply with the Genocide Convention in relation to the conflict in Gaza. – ABC News
4. When will the defence minister detail the extent of the Australian arms industry’s complicity in continuing to trade with Israel knowing that its products are used in the murder of civilian populations?
The question contains a factual premise—that the Australian arms industry’s products are being used in the “murder of civilian populations” in Gaza—the foreign minister denies the premise of the question. Penny Wong acknowledged that it has approved some defence export permits to Israel, but ministers have stated that the number is limited and that they do not amount to exports of complete weapons or materiel.
Israeli actions may amount to violations of international humanitarian law or international crimes, those allegations are subject to ongoing investigations and legal proceedings. Australia refused to characterize Australian ‘defence exports‘ (sic) in those terms.
5. When will the prime minister provide details of Australia’s commitment to the Trump peace plan, including humanitarian peacekeeping and reconstruction initiatives?
Israeli actions amount to violations of international humanitarian law and international crimes, those allegations are subject to ongoing investigations and legal proceedings which may never be finalised. The Australian government refuses to characterize Australian ‘defence exports’ (sic) in the terms specified in the question.
6. When will the prime minister provide details of Australia’s commitment to the Trump peace plan, including humanitarian peacekeeping and reconstruction initiatives?
The Trump Peace Plan was never a serious proposal and is not funded. While proposals associated with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Gaza have been discussed publicly, the Australian Government has not committed to such a plan or that it will participate in humanitarian peacekeeping or reconstruction under that framework.
7. Have discussions yet been held with the ACTU in order to engage their assistance in establishing an Australian Rebuild Gaza Taskforce?
There is no public evidence that such discussions have taken place. If they have occurred, they have not been publicly disclosed. The ACTU has issued statements of its own asking the government to provide further aid to Gaza and to impose sanctions.
8. Have the health and defence ministers yet considered a Gaza Medical Evacuation and Treatment plan?
No such plan exists and the Egyptian President Sisi and his government refused to open its borders to allow for such a plan.
9. Has the education minister initiated discussions with Australian universities to develop a Scholarships for Palestine Plan?
There is no evidence that the Education Minister has initiated discussions with Australian universities to develop a national Scholarships for Palestine Plan or intends to.
The Australian Government’s appointment of a Special Envoy on Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, has been used in ways that target students, university staff, and others engaged in advocacy for Palestinian rights.
These measures have contributed to the suppression of legitimate political expression and protest, including the prosecution of people in Queensland in relation to the use of the phrase, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
10. What progress has the immigration minister made to expedite special humanitarian visas for Palestinians requiring family support and/or medical treatment?
The Australian Government has issued a number of visas granted to Palestinians subject of Israel’s genocide in Gaza but that figure does not reflect the number of people who have actually been able to access those visas and leave Gaza.
Because Australia does not have officials stationed at the Rafah crossing to facilitate departures, many people who have received visa approvals have remained unable to exit Gaza, cross into Egypt, and complete the journey to Australia. The Government should provide clearer reporting and avoid ‘spin’ on the difference between visas issued, people who have successfully departed Gaza, and those who have arrived in Australia.
11. Can the prime minister announce how many joint Australia/Israeli citizens have served in the Israeli Defence Force since November 2023?
There is no publicly available official figure for how many Australian-Israeli dual citizens have served in the Israeli Defence Force since November 2023. The Australian Government only publishes information about people it claims to be terrorists (Syria, sic). The IDF keep secret its nationality-by-nationality count of dual citizens serving in foreign militaries, so any exact number would be speculative.
Australian were unable to stop the genocide in Gaza but we must insist that our government support the Palestine people and work overtime to protect international humanitarian law. We cannot allow our leaders to ignore their responsibilities and their humanity.
In response to this genocide in Gaza and continuing slaughter in the West Bank, Australians have expressed their outrage but that is not enough. As a matter of urgency, answers to the questions listed above are desperately needed. [We have attempted to provide answers to these questions in bold].
Margaret Reynolds has a long commitment to the peace movement dating back to the Anti-Vietnam Moratorium to current advocacy against militarism as National President of Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.(Australia ) She was a Labor Senator for Queensland 1983-1999 and a member of Bob Hawke’s Ministry 1987-1990. She taught Human Rights and International Relations at University of Queensland 1999-2004 and has worked with a number of international non-government organisations.
Stuart Rees AM is Professor Emeritus at the University of Sydney & recipient of the Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize.
The article first appeared in Pearls and Irritations and can be found at https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/11/palestines-future-australians-are-outraged/
“I’ll pardon everyone who has come within 200 feet of the Oval (office)”– Trump’s joke about the genocide
كما يتجاهل بيان الحكومة الواقع السياسي المتمثل في وجود جهود دولية متكررة، وإن كانت متواضعة، لضمان وصول المساعدات الإنسانية. فبدون وقف فوري ودائم لإطلاق النار، ووصول غير معوق للمساعدات الإنسانية، وامتثال الولايات المتحدة وإسرائيل للقانون الدولي، فإن الوعود بإعادة الإعمار لا تزيد عن كونها مجرد كلمات جوفاء.
The Australian government’s statement ignores the reality that there have been repeated but muted international efforts to secure humanitarian access to Gaza. Israel’s blockade is confirmed by deadly assaults on the Sumud flotilla and inhumane treatment of Palestinians and their supporters on the flotilla.
Without an immediate and sustained ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access, and compliance with international law by the United States and Israel, promises of reconstruction are little more than words.
This is Australian government’s response washing its hands of the genocide:
Australian Support for Palestinian Recovery, Reform and Peace-building
Joint press release with:
The Honourable Dr Anne Ali, MP, Minister for International Development
21 July 2026
The Australian Government announces new support for recovery in Gaza and to strengthen the institutional foundations of the State of Palestine.
This package combines much-needed humanitarian assistance with support for governance reforms, public institutions and economic development, as part of coordinated international efforts to advance the two-state solution.
Working with like-minded partners, and building on Australia’s recognition of the State of Palestine in September 2025, this package supports Palestinian-led efforts to strengthen public institutions, improve economic management and enhance democratic governance, thereby helping to build a stronger, more effective Palestinian Authority capable of responding to the needs of its people.
Funding allocated to early recovery and reforms includes US$15 million for the United Nations ‘Horizon’ Fund. The ‘Horizon’ Fund brings together UN agencies to rehabilitate essential infrastructure, including water and sanitation, health, education and housing, as well as clearing rubble and mitigating the risks posed by explosive remnants of war.
Australia’s contribution complements more than $80 million pledged to the ‘Horizon’ Fund by France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, reflecting a shared commitment to Gaza’s recovery and to creating the long-term conditions necessary for lasting peace.
The package also includes $10 million for the World Bank’s Palestinian Fund for Reconstruction and Development (PFRD), aimed at strengthening the Palestinian Authority’s public financial management. The PFRD is supported by Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Sweden, Switzerland and Iceland.
Strong, accountable and effective Palestinian institutions will be a crucial element in future recovery efforts, regional stability and the long-term prospects for peace. We will continue to work with partners to hold the Palestinian Authority to account for the commitments it has made to Australia and the international community, which include governance reform, ending payments to prisoners, reforms to school education, demilitarisation and the holding of general elections.
Hamas continues to undermine the prospects for a two-state solution and rejects Israel’s right to exist. Australia remains unequivocal in its condemnation of Hamas, including for the atrocities it committed on 7 October 2023 and its ongoing acts of terrorism. The Australian Government reiterates that Hamas must disarm and play no role in the State of Palestine.
By supporting effective civilian governance and public administration, Australia is helping to address the conditions that allow terrorism and extremism to take root, whilst strengthening the institutions necessary for long-term stability.
Funding will be channelled through trusted international partners with robust oversight, accountability and safeguards, ensuring that Australian assistance is used for its intended purpose.
Statements attributed to Foreign Minister Penny Wong:
“This package demonstrates Australia’s practical commitment to Palestinian recovery, reform and institution-building. Hamas cannot have any role in the State of Palestine.
“Lasting peace requires legitimate governance, economic opportunities and security for both Palestinians and Israelis.
“Australia will continue to work closely with international partners to help create those conditions.”
Statements attributed to the Minister for International Development, Dr Anne Ali:
“The humanitarian needs of Palestinians remain immense, and communities will require sustained support to recover and rebuild. This funding package will complement our existing humanitarian assistance.
“This investment will help strengthen institutions, drive reform efforts, and support communities as they work towards recovery and building resilience.
“Australian development aid delivers tangible results for the most vulnerable, whilst supporting the governance and institutional reforms necessary for long-term stability and prosperity.”
What a magnificent performance by Al Zayton dabka dancers. It was for good reason that the lead dancer Sameer Elagata kissed the head of his daughter after a wonderful performance by the smallest dances, by the mothers, and friends. They danced to the chants of ‘Free Free Palestine!’ as a large crowd looked on.
The Luminous Lantern Parade began in Brisbane in the early 2000s as a welcome to many of the refugees who have sought asylum here. It has become the largest welcome ceremony in Queensland with thousands of people lining the Parade.
We were welcomed by first nations announcers at the stage at Southbank.
The parade proved that solidarity can take many forms. It is proof positive that the refugee movement has built a strong following and may even banish Pauline Hanson from the ballot box in upcoming elections.
Free free Palestine!
Ian Curr
1 August 2026