Among the countries that voted, 29 were in favour, 14 abstained and only two were against the investigation

Australia and US oppose UN move for independent inquiry into Gaza violence

Australia has aligned with the United States as one of only two countries to vote against an independent investigation into the recent killing of 60 Palestinians in Gaza.

The United Nations human rights council held a special meeting on Friday night to discuss the “deteriorating human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory”.

Twenty-nine countries, an overwhelming majority, voted to urgently set up an “independent, international commission of inquiry” to investigate recent violations of human rights and international humanitarian law there.



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Only two countries voted against the proposal: Australia and the United States, although another 14 abstained.

Summaries of the meeting reveal that Australian officials expressed “sadness and regret about the loss of life and injury”. But Australia was recorded as holding the “firm view” that Israel had legitimate security concerns and the right to protect itself.

Australia, in line with previous statements, again urged Israel to show “appropriate restraint” and said investigations into the shootings had to be independent and impartial. But it opposed the human rights council’s inquiry over concerns that it appeared biased.

Australian officials said they were concerned the language in the draft resolution had “prejudged the outcome” .

“Australia was of the opinion that the inquiry must also acknowledge the role of Hamas, which was not mentioned at all,” the summary of the meeting read.

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“Furthermore, the draft resolution did not just cover Gaza where the events had occurred and the time period during which it had occurred, but had an unlimited time period and all areas. Australia was very concerned that it was not independent and impartial. For these reasons it would vote against it.”

Australia’s position has already prompted criticism domestically.

Oxfam’s chief executive, Dr Helen Szoke, said Australia, through its role on the council, had an “unprecedented opportunity to progress human rights”. She urged it to take its role seriously.

“When Australia took up its seat on the council, it promised to act in a principled manner and uphold human rights,” Szoke said.

“Voting against a motion to launch an independent investigation into the killings in Gaza and to investigate all violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in the context of civilian protests, flies in the face of Australia’s commitment.

“It represents a broken promise on Australia’s part and is immensely disappointing.”

The Human Rights Watch Australian director, Elaine Pearson, said the federal government’s opposition was “shameful”.

“This was a chance to put principle before politics and Australia blew it,” she said.

“This was not about targeting Israel but targeting human rights violations. When security forces opened fire on protesters who pose no imminent threat, they must be held to account.”

The UN’s senior human rights chief, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, has castigated Israel for the violence. He said 60 Palestinians were killed and thousands injured, while one Israeli soldier was injured by a rock.

“The stark contrast in casualties on both sides is … suggestive of a wholly disproportionate response.”

The foreign minister, Julie Bishop, has been approached for comment.