The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) notes and continues to study the recent position issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding Israeli policies in occupied Palestinian territories. The ICJ’s findings, which declare Israeli settlements as illegal under international law and affirm systematic discrimination against Palestinians, resonate strongly within the global community.
The international rules-based through the UN’s highest court, the ICJ, have denounced the Israeli occupation of Palestine as illegal and confirmed Israel’s apartheid policies. It is imperative that the international community, including Australia, adhere to the decisions of the ICJ. This highlights the pressing necessity for all nations to collaborate in terminating Israel’s prolonged occupation. Furthermore, Australia must act decisively to ensure its policies and actions do not endorse the ongoing occupation.
AFIC supports the ICJ’s call for reparations to be paid to Palestinians for damages incurred because of this illegal occupation.
‘This reveals Israel’s moral bankruptcy. The conflict in Gaza is illegal, and supporters of Israel in this brutality must acknowledge reality and cease the slaughter immediately. History will judge this harshly; Israel’s impunity is appalling. We urge the Australian Government to urgent, proactive and concrete action’ Said Dr Rateb Jnied, President of AFIC.
Furthermore, AFIC echoes the ICJ’s condemnation of Israel’s policies in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, which contradict the principles of international law. The ongoing expansion of settlements and the denial of Palestinian sovereignty over their natural resources only deepen the humanitarian crisis in the region.
AFIC expects Australia to work proactively with the international community, including the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly, to take decisive action in response to the ICJ’s position. Diplomatic and legal measures must be employed to bring about an immediate end to Israel’s illegal occupation and to ensure justice and rights for the Palestinian people.
‘We expect this could include criminal sanctions for any Australian that continues to support the illicit occupation and, an end to trade and military support to Israel’ Concluded Dr Rateb Jneid.
AFIC, established in 1964, stands as the Peak Muslim Organisation in Australia, with 170 members including 9 State and Territory Councils. It has a rich history of pioneering numerous community services and actively advocating for the rights and representation of the Muslim community.
Authorised:
Dr Rateb Jneid, President