On Monday, it was announced that Australia will align with the United Kingdom, Canada, and France in recognizing Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September.

This decision is supported by the Palestinian Authority’s commitments, which include reaffirming their recognition of Israel, the demilitarization of Hamas, conducting elections, implementing governance and educational reforms, and distancing Hamas from the future state.

Pro-Palestine protesters have been calling for the government to go further, to sanction Israel and stop any arms trade with Israel.

“We don’t want symbolic steps and moves. We want actual tangible actions that are going to stop Israel from killing people again,” Sultan said. 

“Only once we’ve secured a ceasefire, ensured people are fed, and Israelis have withdrawn, can we discuss various issues, such as a two-state solution, but at present, it’s a distraction,” stated Hijazi.

Israel’s security cabinet last week approved a plan to take over Gaza City, ramping up military action in the besieged enclave. 

The United Nations has warned that this plan would trigger more calamity in Gaza, causing the “unbearable suffering of the population”.

The World Health Organization reported a rise in deaths related to starvation and malnutrition, while the United Nations has estimated that at least 1,300 Palestinians have been killed while attempting to secure food since May 27.