The Australian government must condemn Israel’s offensive on Gaza, speak out against the invasion and demand it ceases its genocide of entrapped Gazans.

It must unequivocally reject cynical efforts to condemn both Palestine and Israel equally.

It must withdraw its ambassador–Devanand ‘Dave’ Sharma–from Tel Aviv.

This would send a strong, albeit diplomatic, message than Australia opposes Israel’s illegitimate offensive on Gaza.

In doing this, Australia would be following the good example of a number of other governments which have withdrawn their ambassadors such as Ecuador, Brazil, Chile, Peru and El Salvador*.

Venezuela, which expelled the Israeli ambassador in 2009 in response to Operation Case Lead and has not accepted one back since then, has condemned Israel for its indiscriminate killing of civilians. President Maduro wants an emergency session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Bolivian President Evo Morales has demanded that Israel end the genocide. Bolivia also cut ties with Israel during Operation Cast Lead.

Australia, a temporary member of the UN Security Council, should take a lead in defending the human rights of the people of Gaza, including demanding Israel stops its attacks and lifts its siege of Gaza.

*El Salvador was added to the petition on August 1 after it recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv.