Albanese: you must act now for Gaza
The Israeli authority’s continued expansion in Gaza and the West Bank is deeply alarming. Famine is imminent, and Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza strip is ongoing.
Israel’s announcement to occupy Gaza City will further displace hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who have nowhere to go.
It is time for Australia beyond statements, or concern, and take urgent, concrete measures to stop land seizures and annexation.
Dear Prime Minister Albanese,
It is time to put an end to Israel’s impunity. Australia must do more.
We are writing to you in this critical moment to call on Australia to lift its voice to defend international humanitarian law and stand for the rights of the people of Gaza.
The Israeli Government has put millions of lives in danger by blocking aid from reaching people in Gaza.
We are appalled that the Israeli Government has also violated the ceasefire agreement to continue its deadly ground and airstrike offensive, claiming the lives of innocent civilians.
Israel’s blockade has meant women and their families in Gaza are struggling to access basic necessities like shelter, clean water, food and medical care. Now more than ever they need urgent relief.
The people of Gaza deserve to live in dignity and without fear.
Life-saving aid must never be used as a bargaining chip.
Blocking adequate humanitarian supplies from entering Gaza is costing lives.
Other countries have already expressed their concern that Israel has violated international law.
We appreciate and acknowledge the efforts of the Australian government so far, from supporting a ceasefire, to restoring funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and increasing humanitarian assistance.
Now, we call on you to publicly denounce the Israeli Government’s actions and use all diplomatic measures available to call for humanitarian corridors to be reopened and a ceasefire to be reinstated.
You must put Australia’s words into action, with increased diplomatic pressure and further targeted sanctions.
We must uphold international law and support efforts to hold the Israeli Government accountable for the indiscriminate targeting of civilians.
Australia can contribute to forging a path to lasting peace in the region and an end to impunity.