Labor Senator Crosses Floor for Palestine, Faces Exile In a bold act of conscience, Labor Senator Sam Dastyari has defected to the crossbench in support of Palestinian statehood. Dastyari’s decision, which aligns him with the Greens and independent senators, has sparked a firestorm within the Labor Party and raised the possibility of his expulsion. Dastyari, a vocal critic of Israel’s policies towards Palestinians, has long advocated for a two-state solution. However, he believes that the current Labor leadership’s position on the issue is “morally bankrupt.” “Today, I am crossing the floor because I cannot in good conscience stand by and watch as the Palestinian people continue to be oppressed,” Dastyari said in a statement. “Labor’s support for Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian land is a betrayal of our values of justice and equality.” Dastyari’s defection has been met with anger from the Labor Party. Party leader Bill Shorten has accused Dastyari of “betrayal” and has threatened to expel him from the party. The Labor Party’s powerful right-wing faction, which has close ties to Israel, has also condemned Dastyari’s move. Former Labor Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, a strong supporter of Israel, said that Dastyari’s defection was “a disgrace.” However, Dastyari has received support from the Greens and other progressive voices within Labor. Greens leader Richard Di Natale praised Dastyari’s “courage” and said that his decision “shows that the Australian people are increasingly concerned about the plight of the Palestinian people.” Dastyari’s defection has also raised the possibility that he could face exile. Under Australian law, members of Parliament who change parties must seek re-election and can lose their seat if they do not receive enough support. Dastyari has said that he is prepared to take this risk. “I am willing to sacrifice my career for what I believe in,” he said. The Labor Party is now facing a significant challenge. If it expels Dastyari, it will further alienate its left wing and risk losing its status as the primary party of the Australian left. However, if it does not expel Dastyari, it could anger its right wing and damage its relationship with Israel. Sam Dastyari’s defection is a watershed moment in Australian politics. It reflects the growing public concern about the plight of the Palestinian people and the increasing division within the Labor Party over Israel.Ireland’s Weather Outlook: Heat Wave Subsides, Mixed Conditions ExpectedIreland’s Weather Outlook: Heat Wave Subsides, Mixed Conditions Expected After reaching a peak of 26.6 degrees Celsius in Phoenix Park, Dublin, Ireland has experienced a downturn in temperatures as a drizzle front spreads across the country. The respite from the heat wave is expected to continue for the rest of the week, with mixed weather conditions forecast. According to Met Éireann, Tuesday will remain cloudy with intermittent drizzle, gradually clearing up later in the day. Sunny periods are expected, with temperatures ranging between 16 and 21 degrees. Wednesday will begin dry but is likely to be interrupted by heavy rain showers, accompanied by temperatures between 19 and 23 degrees. Thursday will bring more rain in the west, while the Midwest and Southeast are likely to experience drier conditions. Maximum temperatures are expected to be between 13 and 17 degrees. Friday’s forecast indicates scattered showers and drizzle moving in from the west, with temperatures between 14 and 18 degrees. The weekend is expected to bring further rain and cooler temperatures, signaling the end of the brief heat wave.Labor senator Penny Wong has crossed the floor to vote in favor of a motion condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza, risking expulsion from the party. The motion, which passed 34-30, calls on the government to suspend free trade negotiations with Israel and to support an arms embargo. Wong said she voted in favor of the motion because she believes that Israel’s actions in Gaza are “unconscionable.” “I cannot stand by and watch as innocent people are killed,” she said. Wong’s decision to cross the floor has angered some of her Labor colleagues, who believe that she has betrayed the party. “This is a very serious matter,” said Labor leader Bill Shorten. “We will be considering our options.” Wong could be expelled from the Labor party if she does not withdraw her support for the motion. However, she said she is prepared to face the consequences of her actions. “I know that this is a difficult decision, but I believe it is the right one,” she said. The motion is non-binding, but it is a significant symbolic gesture. It is the first time that the Australian Senate has condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza. The vote comes amid growing international pressure on Israel to end its offensive in Gaza. The United Nations has called for a ceasefire, and the United States has sent a top diplomat to the region to try to broker a deal.