The Greens have also responded to the prime minister’s press conference this morning. From their statement:

The Prime Minister today dismissed calls for sanctions and material action to stop the genocide in Gaza as “slogans”. This is deeply insulting to the millions of Australians calling for the Prime Minister to move from mere words to clear action to pressure Israel to end the bombing and killing of Palestinians and let aid flow into Gaza. 

The statement signed by Australia on July 21, 2025, made it very clear that “we are prepared to take further action to support an immediate ceasefire.” Israel rejected this statement in less than 24 hours, yet the Government has taken no steps. As the Prime Minister himself stated, his empty slogans, without action, will not feed starving children in Gaza. 

The Prime Minister’s position that we cannot put sanctions on Israel because, unlike Russia, it is a democracy, is a bizarre argument. It has no basis in international law that is concerned with the actions of governments, not their electoral system, and it gives Israel full license to continue what they are doing in Gaza. 

The precedent for action in response to an illegal war is clear. When a country illegally occupies another and commits war crimes, then comprehensive sanctions are needed. Australia responded clearly to Russia with a comprehensive sanctions regime, this can and must be replicated with Israel.