Response from Sharon Claydon MP

Hi everyone,

There has been an issue regarding Sharon being able to respond to the petition. We will post it below. Please note that we do not believe this response is strong enough and will therefore continue with our petition. 

Yours in solidarity,

Megan and Amy. 

‘Comment to petition 1/12/2023

Dear petition signers, 

Thank you for reaching out on this important issue. It’s a privilege to represent a community that advocates so strongly for those most in need.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza and the human suffering is deeply distressing. Like all Australians, I mourn the loss of lives in this ongoing crisis.

I join with the Albanese Government in condemning the indiscriminate killing of civilians and the targeting of civilian infrastructure in the strongest possible terms. The protection of civilian lives must come first, and the Australian Government remains steadfast in our belief that respect for international humanitarian law is vital. We do not support a policy of collective punishment.

Countless individuals have endured devastating loss of life and unimaginable hardships due to heinous actions throughout this conflict. Like you, I want this suffering to stop.

Innocent Palestinian civilians should not suffer because of the outrages perpetrated by Hamas. Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people, nor their legitimate needs and aspirations.

At the first opportunity, I spoke in Parliament about this conflict and called on the international community to help put an end to the violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

As a member of the Parliamentary Friends of Palestine, I note the cross-party convener’s statement that was issued on the 25 October 2023. While a permanent ceasefire, which necessarily requires the agreement of both parties, remains a distant hope, I welcome the pause in hostilities and support further extensions. 

I support all steps towards a sustainable ceasefire.

We must all ultimately work for a long-term, enduring peace. 

A long-term and enduring peace requires a two-state solution, with Israelis and Palestinians living securely and prosperously within internationally recognised borders.

Australia has been working with countries that have influence in the region to help protect and support civilians, to help prevent the conflict from spreading and to reinforce the need for the just and lasting peace that all of us want. 

In Newcastle, I have been in ongoing contact with our Jewish and Muslim leaders. We are united in our collective efforts for peace and unity at this distressing time.

Newcastle is a vibrant multicultural community. One of the things that we are most proud of in Newcastle is our ability to look past differences, celebrate our connections and live in harmony. There is no room for Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia or hate speech of any kind here or in Australia.

You can be assured that I will continue to closely monitor the conflict and advocate for the protection of civilian lives. I will support all efforts to secure a sustainable ceasefire that puts an end to this senseless violence and brings a just and lasting peace for all. 

Thank you for adding your voice to this petition.

Yours sincerely, 

Sharon Claydon‘