Tens of thousands of protesters, in capital cities across Australia, took to the streets on 24 August to advocate for Palestinians, condemn the Israeli government for their actions in Gaza, and urge their own government to respond more strongly to the devastation unfolding there. They were reinforcing pressure that had been well-established weeks earlier, on 3 August, when a colossal gathering marched across Sydney Harbour Bridge in one of the largest political demonstrations ever held in Australia.
A lot had changed since then, diplomatically speaking. Between them, the protests bookended a month in which Australia-Israel relations nosedived to an all-time low – a spectacular falling out that has seen officials' visas cancelled, vitriol spouted in both directions, and claims and denials of Israeli 'intervention' in Australia's political affairs following the expulsion of Iran's ambassador.
Many demonstrators on 24 August, however, were still calling for the same things – sanctions against Israel; the end of a 'two-way arms trade' that sees Australia supplying parts used in Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) weaponry.
This week, the world's leading association of genocide scholars declared that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, as per the legal definition laid out in the UN convention. The report noted widespread attacks on vital infrastructure, the healthcare system, and that 50,000 children have been killed or injured.
In light of these developments, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the country's conditional recognition of Palestine, a move that has garnered mixed responses domestically. While pro-Palestinian activists welcomed the gesture, they criticized it as inadequate, particularly given Australia's continued arms trade with Israel.
Netanyahu, in a strong rebuke, accused Albanese of appeasing Hamas and poured ridicule on Australia’s decision. In a series of retaliatory measures, Israel revoked the visas of Australian officials in the Palestinian Authority while Australia has denied entry to certain Israeli politicians.
Experts suggest that while recent tensions have emerged, the true depth of Australia's commitment to changing its relationship with Israel remains to be fully seen. Pro-Palestinian activists question whether this shift is genuine or merely an attempt to quell public outrage while maintaining business as usual behind the scenes. The ongoing surge in protests indicates a growing call for substantive action rather than symbolic gestures.
A lot had changed since then, diplomatically speaking. Between them, the protests bookended a month in which Australia-Israel relations nosedived to an all-time low – a spectacular falling out that has seen officials' visas cancelled, vitriol spouted in both directions, and claims and denials of Israeli 'intervention' in Australia's political affairs following the expulsion of Iran's ambassador.
Many demonstrators on 24 August, however, were still calling for the same things – sanctions against Israel; the end of a 'two-way arms trade' that sees Australia supplying parts used in Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) weaponry.
This week, the world's leading association of genocide scholars declared that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, as per the legal definition laid out in the UN convention. The report noted widespread attacks on vital infrastructure, the healthcare system, and that 50,000 children have been killed or injured.
In light of these developments, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the country's conditional recognition of Palestine, a move that has garnered mixed responses domestically. While pro-Palestinian activists welcomed the gesture, they criticized it as inadequate, particularly given Australia's continued arms trade with Israel.
Netanyahu, in a strong rebuke, accused Albanese of appeasing Hamas and poured ridicule on Australia’s decision. In a series of retaliatory measures, Israel revoked the visas of Australian officials in the Palestinian Authority while Australia has denied entry to certain Israeli politicians.
Experts suggest that while recent tensions have emerged, the true depth of Australia's commitment to changing its relationship with Israel remains to be fully seen. Pro-Palestinian activists question whether this shift is genuine or merely an attempt to quell public outrage while maintaining business as usual behind the scenes. The ongoing surge in protests indicates a growing call for substantive action rather than symbolic gestures.