The Australian Greens are deeply concerned to see the ceasefire broken with risks of further deaths in Israel and Palestine, a mere three days into the Bennett-Lapid Government’s term.

Australian Greens foreign affairs spokesperson, Senator Janet Rice, said:

“The Australian Greens condemn the extremist language of the ultranationalist marchers in East Jerusalem, and the subsequent escalation in violence today. 

The Greens call on the Australian Government to add its voice to global calls and forcefully speak out against the Israeli Government’s plans to annex parts of the West Bank in clear violation of international law.

Leader of the Greens Adam Bandt said: “There has been an increasing and overwhelming chorus of global voices condemning the Israeli Government’s plans to annex parts of the West Bank as soon as 1 July.  

Greens leader Richard Di Natale today expressed deep concern at reports that the vessel Al Awda – part of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla coalition’s boat – was detained by the Israeli Navy in international waters late last night.

“I understand that the vessel and the crew, including Australian journalist Chris Graham, were intercepted in international waters, and that they have been towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod," Di Natale said.

Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale today condemned the Israeli military’s killing of more than 50 Palestinians upon the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem. 

“The Australian Greens condemn in the strongest possible terms this latest example of the Israeli military’s excessive use of force,” Senator Di Natale said.

“Yesterday marked the deadliest day in Gaza since the 2014 war, with more than 50 Palestinians killed.

Greens Leader Dr Richard Di Natale today called on the Australian Government to break its silence over the killing of 17 Palestinians late last week by the Israeli military.

“The vast majority of those participating in the March of Return to mark Land Day were protesting non-violently. The use of live fire and lethal force was clearly disproportionate and very likely illegal,” Dr Di Natale said.