Penny Wong condemns escalating Middle East violence
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong has condemned escalating violence and terror attacks in the Middle East. The comments follow rocket attacks fired into Israel from Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.
Penny Wong
The Israeli military has fired rockets back, blaming the incident on Hamas.
Tensions in the region were high following Israeli police raids on Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque during Ramadan, where police were filmed beating worshippers.
Senator Wong said Australia was deeply concerned by the escalating violence in the region.
“During this time of Ramadan, Pesach and Easter, we call on all parties to immediately halt the violence, exercise restraint and restore calm,” she said on Sunday.
“Australia condemns unreservedly the indiscriminate rocket attacks from southern Lebanon and Gaza, and recognises Israel’s right to defend itself.”
The escalating violence included a car-ramming attack in Tel Aviv which led to the death of an Italian tourist and the wounding of five others.
The car-ramming came hours after two sisters were killed in a shooting attack in the West Bank.
“We are shocked by the horrifying news of deadly terror attacks in the West Bank and Tel Aviv and our thoughts go to the victims’ families and the injured. Terrorism and violence can never be justified,” Senator Wong said.
“Australia calls on all parties to respect and protect the sanctity and status of Jerusalem’s holy sites. Violence at Al Aqsa, including against worshippers, is reprehensible.”
Australia’s foreign minister has called for security operations to be proportionate and in accordance with international law.
“Events in recent days are urgent reminders of the need for leaders to work together to foster the conditions necessary for tolerance and peace,” she said.
Australia’s ambassador to Israel, Dr Ralph King, tweeted: “Shocked by the deadly terror attack in Tel Aviv this evening. Australia condemns this senseless terrorist act. Please stay safe: monitor local media, follow the advice of authorities, and stay clear of the scene.”
Dr Colin Rubenstein, executive director of The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council commonted: “In recent years, we have seen this deliberate tactic of Palestinians using one of Islam’s holiest places and the holiest site in Judaism as a base from where they can attack Israelis. This cynical misuse of a place of worship by provocateurs should be condemned outright, without any equivocation. Those quick to criticise Israel’s decision to evict those who were involved to prevent a more dangerous situation from unfolding should show understanding for what’s actually taking place,” he said.
AAP/J-Wire
Colin Rubenstein is correct, but much too diplomatic. Wong should be called out for not criticising the use of a mosque to prepare for attacks on Jewish worshippers at the Kotel.
The media, particularly in Australia the ABC, long a poor reporter of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, with bias against Israel, should report this responsibly and fairly. And they have not. The context as outlined by Dr Colin Rubenstein should be given as such.
Of course, we are by now used to this paucity of information in relation to Israel’s situation and the Temple Mount, but should never accept it. How many letters and phone calls need to be received by media to put things to rights? How long must we endure the ridiculous situation of this country Israel on its tiny sliver of land being reported on as if it were waging World War III instead of defending itself, being singled out time and again amongst all other atrocities and injustices occurring globally? These questions are rhetorical only – we know the answers.