Australia’s foreign minister Penny Wong has recently said that Canberra would consider recognition of a Palestinian state. However, there is no visible progress towards that recognition. (more…)
Pearls and Irritations
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South Africa asks ICJ to order halt to Rafah massacre as 110,000 Gazans flee advancing Israeli troops
The move comes as Australia, in a significant break from Israeli and US policy, voted yes in the UN General Assembly to upgrading Palestine’s UN membership status. The resolution passed with 143 countries voting in favour, nine voting against, and 25 abstentions. (more…)
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South Africa requests ICJ emergency orders to halt “unspeakable” Gazan genocide
“Israel is now massacring desperate, starving Palestinians seeking to obtain food for their slowly-dying children.” The situation in Gaza is now so terrifying as to be unspeakable, writes South Africa in an urgent request for the International Court of Justice to issue additional provisional measures to stop Israel’s genocide. (more…)
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Nicaragua institutes ICJ proceedings against Germany for complicity in Gaza genocide
The Republic of Nicaragua yesterday instituted proceedings against the Federal Republic of Germany in the International Court of Justice for “facilitating the commission of genocide and… [failing] in its obligation to do everything possible to prevent the commission of genocide” by providing political, financial and military support to Israel and by defunding the UNRWA. (more…)
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Israeli female soldiers celebrate the death of 12,300 children
As the Palestinian death toll from Israel’s attack on Gaza approaches 30,000, including the death of 12,300 children and 8,400 women, a group of Israeli female soldiers posed for a photo on a position on the Gaza Strip border in Southern Israel, February 19, 2024. (more…)
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NAIDOC Invasion Day Dawn Service livestream
Each year, the Victorian branch of NAIDOC live streams a powerful Invasion Day Dawn Service at 6:15 AM AEDT . (more…)
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Hamas’ account of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood: In their own words
Western readers will be familiar with the Israeli Government’s account of the attacks by Hamas on October 7th, 2023, which killed 1,200 Israelis. They will also be familiar with the Israeli government’s response that has now killed over 25,000 Palestinians in Gaza. On January 19th, 2024, Hamas released their public account of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood and the events that followed. It is reproduced below: (more…)
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Voice to Parliament: An Australian test of character
Will Australia today say Yes and agree to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice? Or will we reject the request made to us by representatives of First Nations communities in the Uluru Statement from the Heart?
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Israeli forces have killed 2400 Palestinian children since year 2000
While mainstream media and our own and other Western government’s cup runneth over in support of Israel, a deeper story of occupation, ethnic cleansing and apartheid underpins the decades-long suffering of the people of Palestine from successive Israeli governments that have been supported and funded by the US Government. While the bloodshed and loss of life on both sides is devastating, the lack of balance in reporting the facts behind the conflict, that we watch unfold in horror, is both predictable and complicit. (more…)
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“Our government is about to redefine us as willing backers of US militarism” – Anthony Albanese in earlier days
“At the height of the Cold War, Prime Minister Menzies agreed to the British request for a permanent site to test nuclear weapons… This was a political decision by a government that was subservient to the British government, and today there are parallels, with the Australian government being once again subservient to the decisions of a foreign power.” “Our government is about to redefine us in the eyes of the world as willing backers of US militarism.” – Anthony Albanese, 2003. (more…)
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From our readers: Australia’s heartbreaking ‘let it rip’ mentality
In letters to the editor: what letting Covid rip says about Australia’s leaders and its policies on climate change and Indigenous affairs.
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From our readers: A more inclusive date to celebrate Australia
In letters to the editor, an alternative to January 26 as Australia Day, Labor’s election strategy, and the environmental cost of selfishness.
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From our readers: how to restore our damaged health systems
In letters to the editor: why we should have a Covid royal commission, supporting our inundated health systems, and the problem with SBS’s ads.
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From our readers: Gearing up for a climate change election
In letters to the editor: making climate change an election issue, government secrecy and protecting our children’s future.
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From our readers: Labor needs the right leaders
In letters to the editor: the case for Tanya Plibersek as Labor deputy leader, the dishonesty of our Parliament, and the climate crisis.
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From our readers: Defining the Morrison government
In letters to the editor this week: the parlous state of our Parliament, adding reason to the ‘capitalism’ conversation, and our flawed universities.
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From our readers: Labor isn’t offering voters even a ‘small target’
In letters to the editor this week: Labor’s policy vacuum, how Australia is (not) handling climate change, the value of independent political candidates.
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From our readers: Collaery trial an affront to democracy
In letters to the editor: Australia and East Timor, climate action, and do we really need our own military?
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From our readers: We must fight for the common good
In letters to the editor this week: the need to work for the common good, avoiding war over Taiwan, and some advice for Labor ahead of the election.
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From our readers: Australia’s dangerous commitment to US alliance
In letters to the editor: Australia’s unwavering commitment to the US alliance, China and Taiwan, and the value of independent MPs.
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From our readers: Can independent MPs save our system?
In letters to the editor this week, the case for more independent MPs, Gladys Berejiklian at ICAC, and generational conflict.
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From our readers: Labor’s small-target strategy will not win votes
In letters to the editor this week: Labor’s lack of passion, Australia’s alliance with the US, and affordable housing.
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Saturday’s good reading and listening guide
Ian McAuley’s guide to good reading and listening for the weekend has moved.
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From our readers: The moral issue of Palestine ‘settlements’
In our letters to the editor this week: NSW Labor’s support for a controversial definition of “anti-Semitism”, Scott Morrison’s sales pitch, negative gearing and action on climate change.
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Saturday’s good reading and listening guide
Ian McAuley’s guide to good reading and listening for the weekend has moved.
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From our readers: Preserving Australia’s future by electing more independents
In our first letters to the editor column: electing independents to Parliament, the decimation of Australian universities, calling time on Infrastructure Australia, and reflecting on the Catholic Church.