December 4th 2024.
Australia has shifted its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, supporting a United Nations General Assembly resolution that calls for an end to Israel's unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territory. This resolution also demands a halt to all new settlement construction and the removal of settlers from the occupied territory. Australia joined 157 other countries in supporting this resolution at a meeting in New York on Tuesday.
However, not everyone was in favor of the resolution. Eight countries, including Israel and the United States, voted against it, while seven nations abstained. This marks a significant change in Australia's previous policy, as just last month they supported a UN resolution that recognized Palestinians' sovereignty over resources in Gaza and the West Bank.
The situation on the ground in the Middle East remains tense, with ongoing violence and clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants. In Gaza, an Israeli drone strike targeted Kamal Adwan Hospital, causing injuries to three medical staff members. This hospital is one of the few still partially operating in the northern part of the territory. In Lebanon, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has held, despite Israeli forces carrying out new drone and artillery strikes that resulted in the death of a shepherd in the south of the country.
The director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, Hossam Abu Safiya, expressed his concern for the safety of his staff and patients. He stated that the ongoing violence and atrocities have left the hospital staff exhausted. The hospital has been struck multiple times in the past two months, with Israeli forces claiming to be targeting Hamas militants who have taken refuge there. However, hospital officials have denied these claims.
In a separate incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue striking against Hezbollah for alleged ceasefire violations in Lebanon. Hezbollah has been launching attacks against Israel in solidarity with Hamas militants in Gaza. This war began in 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1200 people, mostly civilians. In response, Israel launched a retaliatory offensive that has killed over 44,500 Palestinians, including many women and children. The war has also caused widespread destruction and displacement in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has been a source of international concern, and Australia's shift in policy signals a potential shift in the international community's stance on the issue. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the need for a peaceful resolution is more urgent than ever.
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