The release of the NSW MPs’ statement highlights a growing division within Labor,nationally and in NSW,over Australia’s response to the war.
The statement,signed by 24 MPs,says:“The terrible acts of terror committed by Hamas are deeply inhumane. We call for the immediate release of hostages and reiterate our condemnation of all violence against civilians.”
A special Shabbat dinner on Bondi Beach on Friday,with a table set with 200 empty plates to signify the number of hostages kidnapped by Hamas and taken into the Gaza Strip.Credit:Janie Barrett
In response to the NSW statement,Minns said on Friday he would “prefer they[his MPs] not sign letters like that”.
“I think it’s important in times like today that the NSW government speak with one voice,and it does put pressure on MPs that don’t,or aren’t,signatories of that letter,” he said.
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At a vigil in support of Palestine in Lakemba on Friday,Shiekh Wesam Charkawi labelled the failure of the country’s political leaders to condemn Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip “spineless”.
Several thousand people gathered in Parry Park for Friday prayers amid the worsening conflict in the Middle East.
Charkawi,who gave an address in English after Sheikh Yehia Safi earlier spoke in Arabic,said politicians from both sides had failed to stand up for the Muslim population.
“You are only there in parliament because of the Muslim vote,” he said. “You are only there because of us.”
On Friday,the Jewish community in Sydney’s eastern suburbs held a special Shabbat dinner on Bondi Beach,with 200 empty plates set to signify hostages kidnapped by Hamas and taken into Gaza.
Alex Ryvchin,co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry,said the idea for the empty table settings came from Jewish mothers.
NSW Police are preparing for another pro-Palestine protest on Saturday.Credit:Louie Douvis
Ryvchin said Shabbat should be a joyous occasion for families,but the Jewish community cannot celebrate amid the Israel-Hamas war.
“Our community is strong and resilient,but we are also broken,” Ryvchin said.
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More than 800 officers will be in the city for Saturday’s rally,but NSW Police have ruled out using extraordinary stop and search powers after last Sunday’s pro-Palestine protest remained peaceful.
However,NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb issued a warning to protesters,insisting there would be no tolerance for violent activity and police would not hesitate to arrest those who break the law.
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