Truth telling about ceasefire in Gaza
Jan 23, 2025
We have all condemned fake news, and the lies continually spread on social media, but do we recognise that our political leaders and responsible journalists fail to promote truth telling in significant political debates which reflect the kind of society we have become?
For fifteen months Australians have watched the relentless bombardment of innocent civilians in Gaza. It’s been called a war which is a convenient excuse for murder and destruction by the Israel Defence Force in response to Hamas terrorism on October 7th, 2022. Of course, political leaders reject the definition of war as “state sponsored terrorism”, but the many thousands of Palestinians killed and maimed know only the horrific outcome of militarism, be it sanctioned by a so called “democracy” or a western designated “terror group.”
The ceasefire negotiated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States is a step forward, but Australians are entitled to read and hear more of the facts in reporting this long overdue agreement and to monitor how their government must respond to it.
After the announcement of the ceasefire, it was reported that the killing continued with a reported death toll of 123, including 33 women and 33 children (Counter Currents, January 18th). While hostage exchange and prisoner release are obvious items of news interest, when will the Australian media start reporting on the legal position of the Netanyahu regime, which stands accused of war crimes, and genocide? In the global planning to rebuild Gaza what is Israel’s responsibility for reparations? How will the two-state solution be progressed to end apartheid and military occupation?
ABC International reporter John Lyons is a solitary informed commentator telling our leaders that only political not military solutions can find ways to end entrenched conflict. He cites recent examples of terrorism in the apartheid state of South Africa and between the Irish Republican Army and the United Kingdom, reminding us that these two-governments had to negotiate with their terrorist opponents to bring justice and peace to their communities.
Israel must now face its own comparable reality. It cannot continue to act in defiance of international law. It is now regarded by a majority of nations as an isolated pariah state, and its military personnel and political leaders face arrest for war crimes if travelling to most parts of the world. Israel needs a political solution as much as do the Palestinians.
Meanwhile the official narrative in Australia is disturbing because our leaders continue to play games with their responsibilities under international law. Can Australians take seriously a potential leader like Peter Dutton who openly gives total support to a war criminal as the current political leader of Israel? Can Australians forgive the failure of Prime Minister Albanese to condemn the Netanyahu regime, pretending he can not intervene in a humanitarian crisis? Do these leaders really understand that their bland public statements demonstrate their inability to understand Australia’s obligations as a signatory to the Genocide Convention?
We await a public report from Australia’s Attorney General, Mark Dreyfus, who this month made an official visit to Israel and the West Bank; presumably to negotiate how the Australian Government can best assist and support the Palestinian community to rebuild. As a continuing ally and indeed “forever” friend, the Australian Government must choose carefully how it negotiates with the current Israeli regime. Unfortunately, the irresponsible rhetoric of both Australian political leaders suggests that domestic political opportunism will replace essential political diplomacy.
Many Australians want to trust their leaders to make humane decisions that reflect a commitment to international law and justice. That expectation has been severely damaged in recent months, but it could be at least partially restored if aspiring political leaders made clear their determination to initiate Australian efforts in the rehabilitation of Palestine and specific political negotiations for a two-state solution. Many of us doubt that this is possible, but at least we can continue to demand action.
Throughout the last fifteen months many of us have been shocked by the inhumanity of Israeli leaders imposing a military solution rather than learn from the many lessons of history that only a negotiated settlement can build real security. We are also shocked by the failure of our political leaders to uphold an international legal system to prevent the killing of so many innocent civilians who were not responsible for any act of terrorism. Many thousands of Australians have been demanding their national government take action. New organisations and local groups from across Australia have continued their efforts … “Mums for Gaza” and “Nippers for Gaza”, are influential additions to the Palestinian rights network as students, teachers, academics, doctors, nurses, social workers, trade unionists, journalists and many ethnic groups have joined the demand for international law to be protected so genocide is not repeated.
These Australians will not be ignored. Yes, it may well be a “cost of living election” but many voters will be remembering the horrendous cost of living in Gaza and demanding that political leaders face up to their responsibilities.
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