International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People in Melbourne
The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People was commemorated at the Victorian Parliament House in Melbourne on 28 November 2024, hosted by the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Palestine. The event was attended by State Parliamentarians, members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives from civil society, including advocacy groups and community/faith-based organisations, and members of the Palestinian and Arab communities in Victoria.
The program included speeches by Ms Bronwyn Halfpenny MP, Labor Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Palestine, and Ms Ellen Sandell, Greens Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Palestine and Leader of the Victorian Greens, in addition to H.E. Dr Izzat Abdulhadi, Ambassador of the State of Palestine.
As in his speech delivered at the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People in Canberra, the Ambassador of the State of Palestine acknowledged the steadfastness and resilience of the Palestinian people, who continue to persist in their just struggle for self-determination, justice, and freedom despite enduring immense suffering and loss. He emphasised that it is not naïve optimism to assert that the rights of the Palestinian people will be realised, but a realistic prospect based on significant and encouraging recent regional/global developments.
His speech had an additional focus on the recent decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue arrest warrants for Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu and former 'Defence' Minister Gallant on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes - a decision which has restored hope and trust in international law, international justice institutions, and the pursuit of accountability. The Ambassador highlighted Australia’s obligations as a state party to the Rome Statute in this context, and called for the government to support and comply with the ICC in its investigation and prosecution of crimes, and with the execution of arrest warrants.
The Ambassador urged ongoing and effective engagement with the Australian government to guarantee a just and principled position towards Palestinian rights in alignment with international law and international legitimacy. This includes supporting and complying with the ICC in its investigation/prosecution of crimes and execution of arrest warrants, imposing a full arms embargo on Israel, the occupying power, and recognising the State of Palestine without further delay. He concluded by reaffirming that now is the time to act collectively and courageously to ensure the protection, wellbeing, and rights of the Palestinian people, which have been denied for far too long.
Ambassador of the State of Palestine delivering his keynote speech
Attendees at Victorian Parliament House, Melbourne
Parliamentary Friends of Palestine
Ambassador of the State of Palestine with Parliamentary Friend of Palestine Ellen Sandell MP (Greens)
Parliamentary Friend of Palestine Bronwyn Halfpenny MP (Labor)
