UN General Assembly: Australia set to vote in favour of ceasefire in Gaza and support for the mandate of UNRWA

Australia on Thursday is set to back two votes in the UN General Assembly that demand a ceasefire in Gaza and support for the mandate of the global body’s humanitarian relief agency UNRWA, which delivers aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The Emergency Special Session votes call for the urgent need for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, the application of international humanitarian law, including the delivery of vital humanitarian assistance, and the protection of civilians, and contributing momentum towards peace and a two-state solution.

Government sources claim support for the votes did not change the Australian government’s long held positions on calling for a ceasefire, backing the humanitarian work of UNRWA, and advocating for a two state solution.

It falls almost a year to the day since Australia joined 152 other countries in voting for a ceasefire at the UN.

But it comes at a time of increased scrutiny of Australia’s international approach to the Middle East crisis and amid accusations that the Government has failed to adequately address a rise in anti-Semitism on home turf.

It was reported on Wednesday that Anthony Albanese had said at a function earlier this week: “some people have got a bit upset, they’ll be more upset by Thursday”, apparently flagging the expected UN votes on Thursday.

When he was asked about those comments at the Sydney Jewish Museum the Prime Minister defended Labor’s position on UN votes, saying it was in line with international peers, highlighting that four of The Five Eyes countries had cast the same votes.

The Government has also previously come under fire for its support of UNRWA after it was revealed that at least nine of its employees took part in the October 7 attacks on Israel.