Today, the UN Security Council voted to support a 'Gaza peace plan', while establishing both the Board of Peace (BoP) and International Stabilisation Force (ISF).
Actions that help end the genocide are welcome, as are statements about rebuilding Gaza. However, for an enduring peace, there must be justice, self-determination, and an end to apartheid.
This UN resolution must not hide the fact that the bloodshed in Gaza has not stopped, with Israeli forces killing and injuring hundreds of Palestinians since the 'ceasefire' began.
Senator David Shoebridge, the Greens spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, said:
"There must be an end to the genocide in Gaza and Israel's ongoing illegal occupation of Palestinian land, and countries must continue to work together to achieve this.
"There are still serious unanswered questions around this agreement and its implementation.
"Much of what will happen over the coming months will hinge on whether Palestinians lead the reconstruction and governance of Gaza.
"Palestinians have a right to self-determination and to live equally. We have seen the obscene violence in Gaza and Israel's apartheid system deny these fundamental human rights for decades.
"If the Board of Peace installs politicians who started the Iraq War, for example, or if Trump appoints himself, this would be a clear indication that the best interests of the Palestinian people are not being respected.
"The unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza through organisations, including the United Nations, Red Cross and the Red Crescent, is essential, and it is welcome that this was underscored in the resolution.
"There must be an immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces, not just from Gaza, but all occupied Palestinian territory, including the West Bank. This resolution does not seek to do this.
"Many are rightfully concerned that, having watched the Western world fund and arm a genocide for the past two years, the US and its allies cannot be trusted to lead reconstruction.
"Countries like Australia have allowed Israel to commit this violence on an unimaginable scale for the past two years by providing diplomatic cover and engaging in the two-way arms trade. There is a moral obligation now not only to stop the genocide but to ensure there is peace with justice and that people who directed and enabled war crimes are held to account."
Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens Deputy Leader and Spokesperson for International Aid & Global Justice, said:
"The UN's approval of this so-called plan for Gaza is not a blueprint for peace. A blueprint for peace should have accountability, justice and self-determination of Palestinians at the heart of it."
"While the world's eyes are on the UN, Israel has not ceased its bombardment. The international community must stop pretending that Israel and the US are good faith actors in bringing peace after perpetrating a genocide. This looks more like a surrender to injustice."
"A real peace plan would take the perpetrators of genocide to the Hague. It would guarantee unimpeded aid, open Gaza to journalists, provide full reparations, and centre the voices of Palestinian people. Anything less is a continuation of oppression under another name."
"Yes, the world is desperate to see a genuine ceasefire and get food to starving families. But justice, accountability and self-determination should never be the price Palestinians are forced to pay for the bombs to stop falling."
"We reaffirm our call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and the unimpeded flow of aid. But lasting peace and justice are only possible by dismantling the systems of domination that brought us here, and with Palestinian self-determination at their core."
