The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) commends the Australian Government’s announcement of an additional $15 million in aid for Gaza. This funding, disbursed through UN agencies and trusted partners, will address urgent humanitarian needs. We trust that the Australian Government will continue to monitor the situation and provide further aid as necessary.
However, AFIC is deeply dismayed by the United Nations Security Council’s decision to block an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The use of veto powers to play politics with human lives is unconscionable. “This flagrant disregard for shared human values is incomprehensible,” said Dr. Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC.
Today’s media release from Oxfam reports that only 2% of Gaza’s residents have received aid, raising the alarming possibility that starvation is being weaponised against civilians. AFIC fears that this may be a potential demonstration of collective punishment against the Palestinian people.
While we acknowledge that the Australian Government has joined the international call for a temporary halt in hostilities to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, we assert that this measure is insufficient. Innocent lives continue to be lost with each passing moment.
AFIC reiterates its call for the Australian Government to leverage its influence in sending international observers to Gaza and deploying peacekeepers if required, as it has in previous conflicts.
Authorised:
Dr Rateb Jneid President
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