A ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States is generating cautious optimism in Australia as hopes rise that it will alleviate social tensions within the country. The Israeli cabinet is scheduled to endorse the deal on Friday, October 27, 2023, Australian time, with the ceasefire in Gaza expected to commence within 24 hours.
Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas is set to release the remaining Israeli hostages it has held since the onset of hostilities on October 7, 2023. In return, Israel will free nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, described the ceasefire as an initial step towards a broader peace plan for the region. He expressed his hope that this moment could mark a turning point in the conflict.
“These are early first steps on a very long road to peace and recovery,” Butler stated during an appearance on Seven’s Sunrise program. He emphasized the significance of the potential for hostages to return to their families, for Israeli defence forces to begin withdrawing from Gaza, and for humanitarian aid to resume flowing to civilians. “It is really hard not to be excited that we are finally on the road to peace.”
Despite the optimism, Butler acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the situation. “There have been prospects of peace in this region, time and time again over decades,” he noted. “We don’t underestimate the possibility that things can fall off the rails.”
Political Reactions and Social Cohesion
Jewish Labor MP Josh Burns echoed Butler’s sentiments, acknowledging the difficult road ahead but affirming that the ceasefire represented a promising start. He highlighted the potential for the agreement to improve social cohesion in Australia, particularly in light of recent tensions between Israeli and Palestinian communities.
“Everyone can take a big, deep breath and we can all look at each other and see more humanity,” Burns remarked during an interview with the ABC. “What I think really matters is how we talk about difficult things and how we see the humanity in one another.” He emphasized the importance of acknowledging and respecting each other’s pain to foster better understanding and respect among communities.
When asked whether US President Donald Trump deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for his role in brokering the ceasefire, Butler stated that it was “too early to tell.” He emphasized that the focus should remain on achieving peace and stability in the region rather than on accolades.
Coalition Senator Jane Hume also praised the United States’ involvement, stating, “While our prime minister was off virtually signalling at the UN about Palestinian statehood, Donald Trump was out there actually brokering a deal.” Hume added that whether this agreement would result in lasting peace remains uncertain.
Future Prospects and Expert Opinions
World leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, have expressed hope that the ceasefire could pave the way for a two-state solution, allowing Israelis and Palestinians to coexist peacefully within their own nations. However, some experts are skeptical about the feasibility of this outcome.
Anas Iqtait, a senior lecturer at the Australian National University’s Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies, argued that the Israeli government has made it clear that it does not support a two-state solution. “The two-state solution is dead,” he asserted, adding that current realities on the ground do not support its viability.
Iqtait believes that while the initial aspects of the ceasefire are likely to be honored, the prospects for any substantial progress beyond that remain uncertain.
As the situation develops, many in Australia and around the world will be watching closely to see if this ceasefire can indeed lead to a more peaceful future for the region and its people.
