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Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion said:
“Even though the General Assembly resolution was watered down so as to provide the Palestinians with enhanced observer status at the UN rather than full membership, it should not have been supported.
“The Palestinian leadership is as autocratic, corrupt and divided as ever, and remains incapable of forming a single government with the capacity to rule over its claimed territory. It continues to foment fanatical hatred and violence against Israel in the region and around the world.
“Nothing has changed that would justify the reward that the UN has given the Palestinian leadership, with the Australian government’s backing. Instead of incentivising the Palestinians to return to negotiations with Israel, such an unearned gain will do the opposite. Grandstanding at the UN will not change the realities on the ground. It will do nothing to free the Israeli hostages or break the grip of Hamas and alleviate the plight of Gazan civilians.
“One can only conclude that Australia’s vote was driven by domestic political considerations, and not by principle, which makes it a sad and shameful day for all Australians. Australia should have joined the UK, Canada and the US in abstaining or voting against the resolution.”
