Israel argues draft Labor platform gives 'insufficient attention' to Hamas – ABC News & Headlines

Israel's embassy in Australia has criticized the Australian Labor Party's draft national platform on Israel and Palestine, arguing it places insufficient responsibility on Palestinian leaders and Hamas for the ongoing conflict. The four-page statement, released ahead of Labor's national conference, takes issue with the draft's expanded position, which includes opposition to "illegal settlement activity" and settler violence, and condemnation of Israeli laws approving the death penalty for Palestinians who murder Israelis. The embassy contends that Israeli settlements do not violate international law and that settler violence is a "marginal phenomenon" compared to Palestinian attacks. It also criticizes the draft's support for the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court, calling them "politicised and maintain a disproportionate focus on the Jewish state." The Australian Palestinian Advocacy Network (APAN), conversely, has called for Labor to adopt an even stronger stance, advocating for an end to Australian defense exports to Israel and further action on illegal settlements.