Extract from ABC News
Frontbencher Ed Husic says Australia must speak up against what he calls the clear "collective punishment" of Palestinians in Gaza.
The industry and science minister said he had condemned Hamas and defended Israel's right to defend itself, but that he believed a humanitarian catastrophe was unfolding in Gaza.
"I think it's really important that ... we contribute to international voices speaking up for Palestinians, particularly innocent Palestinian families — 3,000 of which have already lost their lives —to say there has got to be a more strategic and precise way to hold Hamas to account but not affect innocent Palestinian families," Mr Husic said.
"I feel very strongly that Palestinians are being collectively punished here for Hamas' barbarism."
The Australian government has listed Hamas as a terrorist organisation.
"There is an obligation on governments, particularly on the Israeli government as we have said to follow the rules of international law, and I am very mindful of the words of our prime minister that protecting innocent lives is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength," Mr Husic said.
Mr Husic made the comments fearing a risk to social cohesion in Australia, as the Israel-Gaza conflict continues to escalate.
Yesterday Israel and Hamas traded blame for a blast at a hospital in Gaza that reportedly killed hundreds of people.
It has triggered international outcry and calls for de-escalation in the conflict — though a UN resolution to condemn violence against civilians failed after it was vetoed by the United States.
Mr Husic said he knew it would upset some people to hear it, but noted "we don't see any landmarks being lit up in red, black, white and green", even though many Palestinians have died in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The federal government joined with the Opposition on Monday to pass a motion formally condemning Hamas and supporting Israel's right to defend itself.
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