The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) vehemently condemns the resumption of indiscriminate bombings in Gaza by Israeli forces, which in the last 24 hours alone have tragically resulted in over 400 deaths and many more injured, including targeted attacks on schools that had been sheltering displaced people.. These heinous acts of aggression, occurring during the sacred month of Ramadan, represent not only a grave violation of international law but also a blatant disregard for human rights and human dignity.
Dr. Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC, states, “In these holy days of Ramadan, instead of peace and reflection, we are witnessing a horrifying escalation in Gaza that shatters hopes for tranquillity and inflicts unbearable suffering on the Palestinian people. The international community, including Australia, must not again remain silent or inactive in the face of such deliberate and repeated atrocities. It is imperative for our political leaders to step up and take decisive actions.”
AFIC is particularly appalled by the deafening silence of our political leaders and the international community at large, whose inaction has only served to enable the continuation of violence. We demand that the Australian Government take immediate and effective measures to address this crisis:
- Publicly condemn the actions of the Israeli government: It is crucial that the Australian Government denounces these acts of violence, thereby aligning itself with the principles of justice and human rights it claims to uphold.
- Reassess military and economic cooperation with Israel: In light of the ongoing human rights violations, we urge the Australian Government to reconsider its ties with Israel, including military and economic relations, to ensure that it is not complicit in the perpetuation of these injustices.
- Support international efforts to enforce a ceasefire: Australia must play a proactive role in international forums to advocate for and support a sustainable ceasefire that leads to substantive peace talks.
- Increase humanitarian aid to Gaza: Immediate and substantial increase in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza to alleviate the suffering caused by continuous bombings and blockades.
- Hold Israel accountable at international fora: Support initiatives at the United Nations and other international bodies to hold Israel accountable for violations of international law and human rights.
The Australian Muslim community, together with all peace-loving Australians, is deeply distressed by the resurgence of violence and the humanitarian catastrophe it has reignited in Gaza. We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and call upon all Australians to voice their opposition to these injustices.
AFIC will continue to advocate for the rights and safety of Palestinians and urges the Australian Government to act swiftly and decisively. Silence in this context is not neutrality; it is complicity. We must not allow these acts of aggression to be normalized.
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