Opened the debate
Faruqi argued that the government's response to the crisis was insufficient and failed to uphold international law. Faruqi cited reports that 185 people died from starvation in Gaza during August, describing this as a deliberate plan by Israel. Faruqi referenced the International Association of Genocide Scholars, which stated that genocide was occurring, and former human rights commissioner Chris Sidoti, who warned against a system where might makes right. Faruqi contended that the Labor government was obstructing justice by refusing to use the term genocide and by failing to impose sanctions or an arms embargo on Israel. Faruqi asserted that the government was allowing tyranny to prevail through inaction and by attacking those who highlighted these issues.