CANBERRA, July 22 (Alliance News): During the inaugural session of Australia’s newly elected Parliament, a dramatic protest unfolded as Senator Mehreen Faruqi of the Greens party called for sanctions on Israel over its ongoing military actions in Gaza.
Holding a placard reading, “Gaza is starving, words are not enough, impose sanctions on Israel,” Senator Faruqi made the statement during a speech by Attorney General Sam Mostyn. Several fellow parliamentarians stood in solidarity with her, drawing immediate national and international attention to the issue.
Outside Parliament House, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered, chanting slogans and waving flags in support of Gaza.
The demonstrators demanded that the Australian government take concrete actions, including imposing sanctions on Israel.
Tensions escalated when some protesters attempted to breach security barriers and enter the parliament building. Police intervened and detained more than a dozen individuals.
Inside the chamber, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke acknowledged the growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“What we are witnessing is indefensible,” he stated. “Hostages should still be released, but this war must come to an end.”
He also revealed that the Australian government had submitted a joint statement in the form of a formal letter, outlining a strong position on the Gaza situation.
This comes as the political landscape in Australia sees significant shifts. In the recent elections, the ruling Labor Party secured a commanding 94 seats in the 150-member House of Representatives, marking the strongest government majority since 1996.
The opposition Liberal Party managed only 43 seats, with the remaining 13 divided among independents and minor parties.
In the Senate, no party holds a clear majority. The Labor Party leads with 29 seats, followed by the Conservative opposition with 27, and the Greens with 10, positioning them as a potential kingmaker on key policy decisions.
As the new Parliament begins its legislative agenda, the issue of Gaza is expected to remain at the forefront, with growing calls from lawmakers and civil society alike for a more assertive Australian stance on the conflict.
