Tens of thousands of protesters, in capital cities across Australia, took to the streets on 24 August to advocate for Palestinians, condemn the Israeli government for their actions in Gaza, and urge their own government to respond more strongly to the devastation unfolding there.
They were reinforcing pressure that had been well-established weeks earlier, on 3 August, when a colossal gathering marched across Sydney Harbour Bridge in one of the largest political demonstrations ever held in Australia.
A lot had changed since then, diplomatically speaking. Between them, the protests bookended a month in which Australia-Israel relations nosedived to an all-time low – a spectacular falling out that has seen officials' visas cancelled, vitriol spouted in both directions, and claims and denials of Israeli intervention in Australia's political affairs following the expulsion of Iran's ambassador.
Many demonstrators on 24 August, however, were still calling for the same things – sanctions against Israel; the end of a two-way arms trade that sees Australia supplying parts used in Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) weaponry.
And while Australia-Israel relations appear to have shifted in recent weeks – It really is quite a change, one expert told the BBC - exactly how much is a subject of debate.
How we got here
This week, the world's leading association of genocide scholars declared that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, as per the legal definition laid out in the UN convention.
The report by the International Association of Genocide Scholars noted the widespread attacks on both the personnel and facilities needed for survival - including in the healthcare, aid, and educational sectors - as well as the 50,000 children killed or injured by Israel. Israel said the report was based on Hamas lies, and has consistently denied carrying out genocide in Gaza.
This comes as the IDF expands its operation – launching a massive assault on Gaza City despite widespread international and domestic opposition – and the primary UN-backed global hunger monitor confirms a famine in the territory.
More than half a million people are facing catastrophic conditions characterised by starvation, destitution and death, the monitor said last week, noting that the situation is entirely man-made, with aid organisations accusing Israel of the systematic obstruction of food entering the Gaza Strip.
Such developments, coupled with growing public outrage, seem to have precipitated a change of tone from the Australian government.
Days after the Sydney Harbour Bridge march, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese followed the UK, France and Canada in announcing that Australia would conditionally recognise a Palestinian state.
Albanese later told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that the decision was partly motivated by a phone call with Netanyahu that made it clear the Israeli prime minister was in denial about the situation in Gaza.
In Australia, the move drew backlash from both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups.
Amal Naser, a third-generation Palestinian refugee, called it a distraction. We need much more from the Australian government for them to satisfy their obligations under international law, Ms Naser said.
Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive officer of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, similarly expressed disappointment at Albania's announcement, characterizing it as gesture politics that undermines the peace process.
Netanyahu, in stark response, accused Albanese of fueling antisemitism and described Australia’s recognition of Palestine as appeasement towards Hamas.
The diplomatic spat only escalated further, with reciprocal visa cancellations and strong rhetoric exchanged from both sides, as the relationship between Australia and Israel reaches a historical low.
Despite the heated tensions and public outcry, experts suggest that behind the scenes, relations between the two nations may continue to function as usual, pointing to the entrenched diplomatic ties that mark their history.
