Pressure is increasing among Labor’s grassroots members for the Australian government to impose sanctions on Israel in response to its blockade of essential food and aid into Gaza, with a significant rise in anger and frustration over the government’s insufficient condemnation of these actions. Members of local ALP branches will debate a motion drafted by the Labor Friends of Palestine, urging the Albanese government to sanction groups involved in violations, such as forced displacement of Palestinians, targeting of hospitals and schools, and killings of aid workers and journalists.
Peter Moss of Labor Friends of Palestine emphasized the deep frustration with Australia’s failure to take legally binding action under international law to protect Palestinians and hold Israel accountable. Despite Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s strong condemnation of Israel’s blockade as “an outrage,” calls for more tangible actions such as supporting humanitarian aid convoys into Gaza and exploring targeted sanctions against Israeli officials are growing.
The motion also emphasizes the need for Labor to intensify efforts to secure a ceasefire. A UN conference in mid-June on the recognition of Palestinian statehood is another point of contention, with the government indicating it is waiting for further information before deciding its stance. The debate reflects a broader community outcry for stronger action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/28/gaza-israel-sanctions-grassroots-labor-members-urge-albanese-ntwnfb
