In a bold move, Australian Senator Mehreen Faruqi, deputy leader of the Australian Greens, has been leading protests in the national parliament calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict. With 11 senators, the Greens form part of the cross-bench in Australia’s upper house. However, their calls for a ceasefire have been met with opposition from Australia’s centre-left Labor government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Faruqi believes that remaining silent in the face of such grave injustice is unacceptable. “There is no point in being here in Parliament if we remain silent in times like these,” she states. The Greens have been pushing for a ceasefire vote in the Australian Senate, but both the Labor government and the Liberal-National opposition have joined forces to oppose it. This blatant disregard for the atrocities committed in Gaza exposes the morally bankrupt nature of the major parties, according to Faruqi.
To make their voices heard, Faruqi and her Greens colleagues have taken various actions, including boycotting question time in the Senate. These protests aim to bring the people’s demands for peace and justice into the highest office in the country. Faruqi asserts that she will continue to use her parliamentary platform to call for a ceasefire, an end to the occupation of Palestine, and Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
The Australian government’s refusal to join a vast majority of nations in calling for a humanitarian truce has drawn widespread criticism. Tens of thousands of people across Australia have marched every weekend since the attacks on Gaza began, demanding peace in the region and urging the Australian government to call for a ceasefire. Faruqi believes that the government’s position is not reflective of the Australian people, and their decision to ignore the voices of Palestinians and their allies will not be forgotten.
Australia’s involvement in Israel’s war in Gaza extends beyond mere political gestures. The country has been exporting military shipments to Israel for years, contributing to the ongoing conflict and bloodshed. Faruqi asserts that Australia’s complicity in these actions is tantamount to being involved in the bloody massacre of thousands of people. She calls for an immediate halt to military exports to Israel and criticizes Australia for shielding Israel from accountability for the occupation of Palestine.
From their position in the Australian Senate, the Greens aim to amplify the voices of the majority of people calling for justice and peace in Australia. By bringing these people’s protests into parliament, they hold the government accountable and maintain pressure for a ceasefire and an end to Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine. Faruqi stands in solidarity with the tens of thousands of people marching across Australia and believes that the government’s lack of action is both heartless and shameful.
In conclusion, Senator Mehreen Faruqi and the Australian Greens are at the forefront of the fight for justice and peace in the Israel-Gaza conflict. Despite opposition from the government, they continue to demand a ceasefire and an end to the occupation of Palestine. The protests in parliament serve as a powerful reminder that the Australian people stand with those seeking justice for Palestine.
