There's been widespread condemnation amongst Australia's Arabic community after the Prime Minister floated the idea of moving Australia's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.
It comes just days before a crucial by-election in the Sydney seat of Wentworth in which 12.5 per cent of voters are Jewish.
Listen in Arabic to interview with Mr Izzat Abdulhadi, Head of the General Delegation of Palestine to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
Palestinian Ambassador to Australia Izzat Abdulhadi Source: AAP
Mr Izzat Abdulhadi, Head of the General Delegation of Palestine to Australia
“Mr Morrisson’s comments are an example of putting narrow election interests over international constants. Morrison’s comments are misaligned with Australian foreign policy, which has always considered Jerusalem to be part of the final two-state solution,” Mr Abdulhadi told SBS Arabic24.
Designated Grand Mufti of Australia Source: AAP
Designated Grand Mufti of Australia Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed
“Experiences and studies have proved that ignoring the rights of oppressed peoples and especially the Palestinian people, supporting the oppressor in his oppression, while adding to the suffering of the weak, standing with occupation and apartheid systems in the world, are important reasons that lead to anger, desperation and violence.
“Not only Muslims, but all free people who support truth, justice and freedom will vote against the Liberal Party.
"Moral values and constants should remain far away from political concessions. We should not sacrifice our values for soliciting a few votes to win a seat in an election."
“We have an effective vote in 18 electorates. They know this well and we don’t want to enter an electoral fight, but if push comes to shove, we will act.
“I want to remind [the Prime Minister] that moral values and constants should remain far away from political concessions. We should not sacrifice our values for soliciting a few votes to win a seat in an election. This will make him lose credibility to all Australians.”
The US President's daughter Ivanka Trump unveils an inauguration plaque during the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem on May 14, 2018. Source: Getty
Alex Ryvchin Co-CEO, Executive Council of Australian Jewry
“The Jewish voters within the electorate of Wentworth will vote on a great number of issues as will their non-Jewish counterparts in the seat, and I don’t think the announcement that the prime minister will review this policy will have any outcome on the election.”
Alaa Samara, Fitya Community Centre, Bankstown, Sydney
“This decision will end the two-state solution that many countries support. There will be a strong reaction from the Arabic community as Jerusalem is an issue that belongs to all Arabs, without exception," said Alaa Samara, from the non-profit youth organisation.
"The coalition will lose a great deal of Arab votes who will opt to vote Labor or Independent in the upcoming election."
Ibrahim Qaadan, Peace and Conflict Center, Sydney University
“The Arabic community has votes but they’re not unified. The Arabic community is a marginalised community when it comes to political decision.
"There may be some protests but nothing that would have a real effect on the decision."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier expressed his thanks to Mr Morrison for the announcement which has been criticised by Labor as an act of 'desperation'.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison maintains he is committed to a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
"Australia's position on this issue has, to date, assumed that it is not possible to consider the question of the recognition of Israel's capital in Jerusalem and that be consistent with pursuing a two-state solution," he told reporters.
"You can achieve both and indeed by pursuing both you are actually aiding the cause for a two-state solution."
