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The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) vehemently condemns the recent comments made by Peter Dutton, describing Palestinians in Gaza as a national security risk to Australia. These remarks are not only baseless but are inherently racist and foster unnecessary fear and hatred within our communities.

“Such statements are dangerous and reflect a profound misunderstanding of the Palestinian people and their plight,” said Dr. Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC. “Labelling an entire population as a security threat without basis is not only incorrect, it is inflammatory and serves only to divide us.”

AFIC believes that such rhetoric is harmful to Australia’s social fabric and contradicts the values of diversity and inclusivity that define our nation. It is critical that our political discourse remains free from xenophobia and racism, promoting instead a dialogue that seeks to understand and address the root causes of global conflicts without prejudice.

“Peter Dutton’s comments are a setback to the efforts aimed at fostering harmony and understanding among communities in Australia,” Dr. Jneid added. “As a nation, we must reject any attempt to generalise and demonise any group of people based on their nationality or religion.”

AFIC calls for a retraction of these comments and urges all leaders to publicly condemn such divisive and racist rhetoric. We challenge political leaders across the spectrum to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and all minority communities, affirming their commitment to a society built on the principles of equality, justice, and mutual respect.

We stand with the Palestinian community and all communities who seek peace and justice, both locally and globally. Only through collective condemnation and proactive solidarity can we hope to achieve a truly inclusive and harmonious Australia.

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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