Labor Accuses Coalition of Indifference to Gaza Death Toll, Criticizes Dutton's ICC Stance
The Australian political landscape is heating up as the Labor government and the Coalition clash over the International Criminal Court's (ICC) investigation into alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Labor Minister Ed Husic accused the Coalition of indifference to the mounting death toll in Gaza and criticized Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's stance on the ICC as "staggering."
Dutton had expressed openness to Australia cutting ties with the court if it pursued arrest warrants for leaders of Israel and Hamas. He called the ICC's decision an "anti-Semitic stance" and urged Australia to pressure the court to reverse its decision.
Husic countered that the Coalition's selective approach to law and order was concerning. He emphasized that the ICC should be allowed to operate without political interference.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong echoed Husic's sentiment, stating that there was "no moral equivalence" between Israel and Hamas. She stressed that Australia considers Hamas a terrorist organization and that the focus should remain on achieving a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declined to comment on the ICC's decision, while US President Joe Biden called it "outrageous." The US and Israel are not parties to the court, but Australia is.
Dutton criticized Albanese's silence, calling it a "shameful act" and accusing him of failing to stand up for Australia's interests. He urged the government to condemn the ICC's decision as "anti-Semitic."
Husic dismissed Dutton's call for a boycott of the ICC, emphasizing the need to prioritize ending the violence and upholding international humanitarian law. He expressed concern over the Coalition's apparent lack of concern for the thousands of Palestinian lives lost.
Meanwhile, Norway, Spain, and Ireland announced their intention to recognize an independent Palestinian state. Australia has stated its willingness to consider recognition as part of a peace process.