Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Israel Revokes Visas for Australian PA Envoys After Canberra Blocks Far-Right MP

The retaliation threatens to disrupt Australia’s consular links with the Palestinian Authority.

Overview

  • Australia confirmed it will formally recognise a Palestinian state at next month’s UN General Assembly, setting the backdrop for the latest rift.
  • Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cancelled Knesset member Simcha Rothman’s visa for a planned tour, citing a risk of spreading hate and division.
  • Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar revoked visas for Australia’s representatives to the Palestinian Authority and ordered tighter scrutiny of official Australian visa requests.
  • Foreign Minister Penny Wong called Israel’s response unjustified and said Australia will keep pushing for a ceasefire, hostage releases and a two-state pathway while safeguarding community safety.
  • The Palestinian Authority condemned Israel’s move as unlawful, and the dispute threatens to hamper Australia’s engagement with PA institutions in Ramallah.