Australian Poll Reveals Strong Support for Immediate Gaza Ceasefire, Urges Government Action
A recent poll conducted by YouGov in Australia has shown that a majority of Australians support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and are calling for their government to take action. The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) highlighted the significance of this cold, hard polling data, hoping that it would prompt the government to act in a way that appeals to the common humanity of the Australian people.
The poll, which surveyed a representative cross-section of Australians between November 2 and 6, found that 53% of respondents supported a government call for an immediate ceasefire, while only 26% were against it. This stark contrast in public sentiment has exposed a significant gap between the Australian government’s current position and the wishes of its citizens.
Nasser Mashni, President of APAN, expressed disappointment with the government’s response thus far, stating that their statements calling for restraint and humanitarian pauses seemed like mere pauses to allow Palestinians to fill their bellies before the attacks and war crimes continue. Mashni emphasized that the polling data should compel the government to act urgently, as the previous appeals to humanity and mass rallies across the country have not achieved the desired outcome.
The poll also indicated that support for a ceasefire could be a vote-winner for the Labor Party, with 23% of respondents more likely to consider voting for Labor if the government called for a ceasefire. In contrast, only 11% of respondents indicated that they would be less likely to vote for Labor in this instance.
Additionally, the survey revealed that a greater number of Australians (46% compared to 33%) believed that Israel’s blockade and the relentless Israeli attacks in Gaza were not reasonable acts of self-defense. These findings highlight the importance of adhering to international law and principles of justice.
Mashni stressed that the Australian government’s actions on this issue would be a true test of whether they share the principles and beliefs of the community and are committed to upholding international law. With the death toll in Gaza surpassing 10,000, a significant portion of which are children and women, Mashni urged the government to demonstrate greater urgency and moral conviction in protecting the lives of innocent Palestinians.
This YouGov poll, conducted in compliance with the Australian Polling Council’s Code of Conduct, provides valuable insights into the sentiments of the Australian public. It is now up to the government to listen to the people and take decisive action to address the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza.
In conclusion, the Australian public’s overwhelming support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza underscores the government’s responsibility to act in accordance with the wishes and values of its citizens. The poll results should serve as a wake-up call, prompting the government to prioritize the lives and well-being of innocent Palestinians and take concrete steps towards a lasting peace in the region.
