Australia has been urged to stop applying a “double standard” to Israel regarding alleged war crimes and to uphold the global rules-based order, according to legal experts. The call comes as pressure mounts on the Albanese government to act decisively in response to a UN commission’s findings that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. The commission, established by the United Nations, which does not speak on behalf of the UN as a whole, found evidence that genocide is occurring in Gaza. Ben Saul, a leading human rights expert and UN special rapporteur, suggested that Australia should use tools such as sanctions and trade embargos to pressure Israel over its invasion of Gaza, highlighting the selective approach some countries take towards Israel compared to others. The report also accused Israel’s prime minister and other senior Israeli leaders of inciting genocide, accusations that Israel’s foreign ministry has firmly rejected. Legal analysts argue that the UN findings obligate Australia to take stringent measures, including banning trade related to genocidal acts and investigating Australians who have fought in the Israeli Defense Forces. The situation is highlighting divisions within Australian politics, with some urging strict sanctions against Israel, reflecting a broader global discussion on the Israeli-Gaza conflict and international law.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/sep/18/albanese-urged-to-end-double-standard-on-israel-after-un-commission-finds-genocide-occurring-in-gaza
