This weekend those of the Islamic faith across Liverpool, the nation, and the world will be marking Eid al-Adha. One of the most important days in the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Adha is also known as the festival of sacrifice, commemorating the willingness of the Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his own son at God's command. Once again, those of the Islamic faith in Liverpool mark this blessed occasion with the suffering of those in Gaza in the back of their minds. It has now been over 600 days of hot war in Gaza. The death toll has climbed over 54,600 and, as we approach the two-year anniversary of its outbreak, there is still no reprieve in sight. Those in Gaza are now enduring their fourth Eid under relentless war and now growing starvation. The United Nations has called Gaza "the hungriest place on earth", and the only defined territory in the world where the entire population—every man, woman and child—is at risk of famine.

The humanitarian aid group set up to bypass the United Nations—the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation [GHF]—is failing at its job. Several GHF distribution sites are now entirely closed for the second day running. There have been reports of open fire on Palestinians trying to access aid at those sites when they are operating. Violence is not confined to Gaza. In the West Bank, reports suggest an average of four instances of Israeli settler violence each day since 7 October 2023. In the last week, the Israeli Government announced the approval of 22 new Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Restrictions on movement imposed by Israeli authorities have denied nearly 90,000 Palestinians access to essential services like health care, education, and employment. As we—local representatives in this place—join with our communities over the weekend in acknowledging Eid al-Adha, we cannot simply ignore what is happening in Palestine. There is a growing chorus of nations around the world that are calling for the free passage of humanitarian aid into Gaza. As someone who has spoken out about the need for our nation to stand with the innocent civilian population of Gaza, it has been encouraging to see Australia strengthen its rhetoric over the last few weeks. Prime Minister Albanese has recently said:

Israel's actions are completely unacceptable. It is outrageous that there be a blockade of food and supplies to people who are in need in Gaza …

That strengthening is consistent with the national platform of the Australian Labor Party—a platform that is decided by the conference of members that hail from across our country. Elsewhere in the world, our allies in the United Kingdom, France and Canada have been more unequivocal in regard to the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, saying:

We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank. Israel must halt settlements which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians.  We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions.

There are people at home matching those calls, and many inside the Labor movement and the Labor Party, including Federal member Ed Husic, former Foreign Ministers Gareth Evans and Bob Carr, and rank-and-file members of our party across the nation. Numerous motions have been passed across the party supporting sanctions and the formal recognition of a Palestinian state, including at many local branches in south-west Sydney. There are many people of conscience within the Labor Party—elected representatives, unionists and grassroots members—who are doing the vital work of shaping our movement into one that stands firmly for human rights and international law.

The Labor Party remains the only reliable vehicle through which the recognition of a Palestinian state can ultimately be achieved. As we mark Eid al-Adha in Liverpool, we do so with heavy hearts in solidarity with those who cannot celebrate in peace. It is our duty not just as local representatives but as people of conscience to continue raising our voices for justice, for peace and for the dignity of all. The calls for a ceasefire, for the free flow of humanitarian aid, and for the recognition of Palestinian statehood must not go unanswered. On this holy occasion, let us honour the spirit of sacrifice by recommitting ourselves to compassion, solidarity and the pursuit of lasting peace for Gaza, for the West Bank and for every Palestinian family who deserves nothing less.