Australia Backs UN's 157-8 Vote for Israeli Withdrawal, First Such Shift in 20 Years

Dec 4, 2024, 02:54 AM

Australia's Albanese government has shifted its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by voting in favor of United Nations resolutions demanding that Israel end its occupation of Palestinian territories and cease new settlements. In a UN General Assembly vote, 157 countries supported the resolution, with 8 opposing, including the United States and Israel. This marks the first time in over 20 years that Australia has aligned with such a resolution, breaking ranks with its key ally, the U.S. The resolutions also call for a high-level international conference in New York in June 2025, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, to advance the two-state solution. The move has been criticized by opposition leaders, including Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who argue that the Labor Party, under Foreign Minister Penny Wong, is abandoning Australia's values, creating division with the U.S., and rewarding terrorists. Pro-Israel advocates view the shift as a betrayal and a reward to groups like Hamas.