In a public statement released today, the coalition of NGOs – many of which are providing emergency relief in the region – highlight the impact on people caught in the crossfire.
“This conflict is leading to escalating violence across the region, placing millions of lives at risk and driving global instability and insecurity,” says the statement. “Attacks by all parties on civilian and energy infrastructure contravene international law and are contributing to a global energy crisis and supply chain disruption, with devastating consequences for Australian families already facing cost-of-living pressures, and for the world’s poorest communities.”
Michelle Higelin, Executive Director of ActionAid Australia, warned that the scale of the humanitarian crisis is alarming, and Australia could be complicit in breaches of international law in relation to the war.
“In Lebanon alone, more than 20% of the population has been forced to flee their homes. Families have fled in the middle of the night with their children, with no time to take anything with them. They are living in crowded shelters, in schools, or in their cars, and they need urgent relief,” she said.
“It’s concerning that Australia is supporting the US and Israel in their illegal attacks that have triggered this devastating humanitarian crisis. This war has no legal basis, and if Australia is providing any military or logistical support, we risk being complicit in these violations of international law.”
Rod Goodbun, Executive Lead – Public Engagement of Oxfam Australia, said the situation reflects a dangerous and escalating pattern of harm to civilians across the region.
“There are alarming parallels between Israeli military actions in Lebanon and Gaza, with reported strikes affecting civilians, critical infrastructure, emergency responders and aid workers – driving fear and raising serious concerns about respect for international law,” he said.
“The conflict is worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, escalating violence in the West Bank, and displacing millions across Lebanon and Iran.
“The Australian Government must step up and use every diplomatic lever it can to push for a ceasefire and accountability under international law.”
The statement has urged the Australian Government to:
- immediately withdraw support for any military engagement in the region
- halt the transfer of weapons and any form of military assistance where there is a risk of contributing to violations of international law
- support efforts to hold all parties to the conflict accountable for violations of international law and human rights
- call for all parties to cease unlawful attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure, which risk devastating, long-term impacts for millions of people globally
- elevate Australia’s voice to demand an immediate ceasefire and respect for international law.
[ENDS]
The full statement can be found here: https://actionaid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Letter-to-Prime-Minister-Middle-East-war.pdf
The group of NGOs that have signed on to this statement include: ActionAid Australia, Amnesty International Australia, Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, Australian Civil Society Coalition for Women, Peace and Security, Islamic Relief Australia, Muslim Aid Australia, Oxfam Australia, Peoples Climate Assembly.
Spokespeople are available for comment.
Contact
Stephanie Wulf, Senior Communications Manager, ActionAid Australia
+61 (0)456 952 836