David Van (Victoria, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak on the vote in the UN General Assembly last night, regarding Israel. The resolution looked to issues that aren't the immediate issues that are being faced in the Middle East. They are issues that should be debated, and should be debated over time, but the resolution totally ignored the immediate problems. Despite the resolution talking about the ability of states to live side by side in peace, it is totally silent on the attacks on Israel by Hamas and that it is the continuing holding of hostages that is driving the conflict in Gaza.

I acknowledge our ambassador to the UN, Ambassador Larsen. In his response, he noted that the situation in Gaza is catastrophic and that the region is on the brink of escalation. He also says that member states need to remain focused on these most desperate and urgent issues, and he's right. That is what the world should be focusing on. We must be focusing on peace. But, in order to stop Hamas's continued attacks on Israel and Hezbollah's attacks on Israel, we need them to lay down their arms and release the hostages. Then we can start building a lasting peace.

While I applaud the government and the minister for abstaining from the vote on that resolution, I think it would have been better to vote against it.