John Howard, Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison each signed the statement that endorsed a two-state solution “as the basis for long-term lasting peace between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples”.
The joint statement by Scott Morrison, Malcolm Turnbull, Tony Abbott, Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard and John Howard also called upon Hamas to release hostages taken in the October 7 terror attacks, and urged Israel to avoid civilian casualties and sustain humanitarian access into Gaza.
The former prime ministers called upon Australians to treat each other with love and respect.
“If our hearts are filled with hatred, then we will be doing the terrorists’ work,” the statement read.
“No complaint or concern about international affairs justifies hate speech against any Australian, or any Australian community.
“We believe we speak for the vast majority of Australians, of all faiths and of none, when we say we stand in solidarity with Jewish Australians at this time.
“Likewise, we stand too with the Australian Palestinian community whose families are dying and suffering in this terrible conflict.”
Former PMs caution Israel to avoid killing civilians
The former leaders expressed their condemnation of Hamas, saying it sought to provoke Israel and had “no more interest in the safety of Palestinians than they do of Israelis”.
However, they said Israel in its response must keep its promise to avoid civilian deaths.
“On the battlefield in Israel and Gaza we do not presume to give strategic advice to Israel.
“But the legitimate objective of defeating Hamas must be accompanied by support and protection for the civilian population of Gaza. Israel promises it will do all it can to avoid civilian casualties, we urge it to do so with all of its humanity and skill.
“We are horrified by the thousands of deaths and injuries inflicted on innocent Palestinian civilians, including many, many Palestinian children.”
The letter was coordinated by lawyer and political activist Mark Leibler, according to a statement by Mr Keating.
Mr Keating on Sunday published a statement saying he would not sign onto the letter “drafted by” the Zionist Federation of Australia.
The letter comes as Israeli military begin a ground operation into Gaza, as Israel’s war against Hamas escalates.
Israeli air strikes have pounded Gaza in a weeks-long campaign, reportedly killing more than 8,000 Palestinians, following the murders of a reported 1,400 Israelis in a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7.
The United Nations has called on Israel and Hamas to negotiate a “humanitarian pause” to allow aid into blockaded Gaza. ABC News