In a recent development, the Australian government has taken a significant stride towards acknowledging the reality of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by reinstating the term “Occupied Palestinian Territories” in its official communications. This move reinforces the Australian government’s objection to “illegal” Israeli settlements.
On Tuesday, The Labor Party of Australia revealed that it will officially reinstate the term “Occupied Palestinian Territories,” and will harden its objections to settlements in the West Bank.
The decision has garnered commendation and appreciation from the Arab League (AL) and the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC), a prominent representative body of the Australian Muslim community. AFIC applauded the government’s adoption of this terminology, seeing it as a vital recognition of the ongoing situation in the region.
Dr. Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC, expressed his support for the Australian government’s decision, highlighting how it aligns with the core principles of justice and human rights that Australia upholds. “This step reflects a dedication to upholding international law and fostering the conditions for a meaningful and lasting peace in the Middle East,” Dr Jneid stated.
By embracing the term “Occupied Palestinian Territories,” Australia joins the ranks of key international allies such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and the European Union, creating a unified stance that advocates for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
AFIC stated that the government’s decision is a commendable step, however, it falls short of the Australian Labor Party’s (ALP) resolution to recognize the Palestinian State, which was made during its last national conference. AFIC encouraged the Australian Government to continue on this path by formally recognizing the Palestinian State and urging Israel to withdraw from all occupied territories.
(Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong in Jakarta, Indonesia. Photo via AP)
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