BLAIR MP Shayne Neumann says only a “small number” of constituents have contacted him about the conflict in Gaza – but many of them are calling for the Australian Government to support a ceasefire.
Mr Neumann said he had raised their concerns with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her office.
Since October 7, 2023, more than 58,000 people have been killed in Gaza and over 138,500 injured – more than half of them women and children. Among the dead are 180 journalists and media workers, 120 academics, and over 224 humanitarian aid workers.
Israeli forces continued airstrikes over the weekend, reportedly hitting a crowded market and a water distribution point, killing at least 95 Palestinians.
“We’ve been clear with Israel that innocent Palestinian civilians cannot continue to pay the price of defeating Hamas,” Mr Neumann said.
“Australia has consistently called for the protection of civilians and for international humanitarian law to be upheld. We have relayed Australia’s concerns directly to Israel.
“We reiterate our calls on Israel to take urgent action to enable the full and unhindered resumption of aid into Gaza. Israel’s obligations under international law are clear, as are the binding orders of the International Court of Justice. The population faces starvation. Gaza’s people must receive the aid they desperately need.
“Australia continues to work with our partners to press for a ceasefire, the return of hostages, and the protection of civilians.
“I support Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s recent comments regarding the need for a two-state solution.”
However, Mr Neumann has consistently voted in support of Israel in Parliament. On October 16, 2023, he backed a government motion supporting Israel and voted against a Greens amendment that condemned alleged war crimes in Gaza. More recently, on May 29, 2024, he voted against a Greens motion to recognise a Palestinian state.
He has also previously criticised the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, calling it an attempt to “demonise and vilify Israel” and describing a Marrickville Council resolution supporting BDS in 2011 as “political stupidity” during a parliamentary speech.
“We remain steadfast that a two-state solution is the only pathway to secure an enduring peace for Israelis and Palestinians, and this is what my advocacy in parliament reflects,” he said.
The current war began after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages.
Since then, the rhetoric from Israeli leadership has intensified.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently declared that Gaza cities Rafah, Deir al-Balah and Nuseirat would face “total annihilation”.
“There are no half measures – total annihilation,” he said, adding that Gaza’s population would be “concentrated” in a so-called humanitarian zone while the rest of the enclave would be “totally destroyed”.
“They will be totally despairing, understanding that there is no hope and nothing to look for in Gaza, and will be looking for relocation to begin a new life in other places,” he said.
Meanwhile, LNP Queensland Senator Paul Scarr said he supported “a two-state solution that is negotiated between the parties and would provide both Israelis and Palestinians with peace and security within internationally recognised borders.”
“That is the only way that it can work,” he said.
“The barbaric attacks on Israel by Hamas on October 7, and the current situation in Gaza have caused great distress to many Australians. I have met and discussed these issues with members of our community. I will continue to do so.
“We all wish to see an end to the suffering, the remaining hostages held by Hamas released, and the violence to end.
“In an Australian context, it is critically important that we do all we can to make sure that conflict overseas does not lead to division at home.”
Greens Queensland Senator Larissa Waters was contacted for comment.