All living former Australian prime ministers are set to release a joint statement condemning Hamas and asserting Israel’s right to defend itself.
The Daily Telegraph is reporting the seven former leaders have been in discussion about a letter that firmly blames the current fighting on Hamas.
An agreement on the final wording of the statement has been complicated by the former prime ministers living in three different time zones.
The statement has also been discussed with the Zionist Federation of Australia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned Hamas for its actions.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says Australia “should’ve been” standing with long-standing allies, including the United States, in supporting Israel.
Mr Dutton’s comments come after the United Nations General Assembly held a vote for a humanitarian truce between Israel and Gaza.
120 nations voted in favour, with 14 against, including the United States and Israel.
Australia and the United Kingdom abstained from voting.
“The Prime Minister had an opportunity here in the United Nations to send a clear message about our values and where we stand, and he failed that test,” Mr Dutton told Sky News Australia.
“It was a fragile display of leadership from the Prime Minister.”
(Sky News)
