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The state Liberal MP David Southwick has told J-Wire, “I have urged Council to reject this divisive motion. I am deeply alarmed by the Notice of Motion put forward by Melbourne City Councillor Jamal Hakim on the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

As with several other councils, I have written to all Melbourne City Councillors pointing to our multicultural harmony being a great asset and that, in times of deep unrest like these, governments at all levels must act with understanding, sensitivity, and empathy.”

He added: “Like others, this motion does not engage with the trauma and tangible security threats faced by our Jewish community, including those in the City of Melbourne. I fear it may only embolden and inflame those seeking to cause the Jewish community harm. Further, this motion also neglects the diverse Christian, Muslim, Arab, and Ethiopian communities with deep cultural, ancestral, and spiritual ties to Israel.”

Southwick also said the motion contradicts the statement made by Lord Mayor Sally Capp’s on 14 November 2023, where she said, “…Our responsibility is to promote the de-escalation of tensions in our city…We want to promote cohesion, accordingly we are not taking any action that we believe will cause conflict or division in our community.”

“I welcomed that statement. But if the council acceded to Hakim’s motion it would cause exactly that: conflict and division,” said Southwick.