Australia shouldn’t join an illegal war

The United States and Israel’s illegal war on Iran and Lebanon has driven devastation for people across the Middle East.  The US, Israel and Iran have agreed to a fragile ceasefire, but Israel’s attacks on civilians in Lebanon have intensified. 

Australia was the first country to support the United States and Israel’s illegal attacks on Iran. After weeks of pressure, including from ActionAid supporters, the Government is now calling for an end to the conflict and for the ceasefire to extend to Lebanon. ActionAid welcomes this news.  

But Australia is still providing military assistance to the Middle East, meaning our government risks being complicit in an illegal war that is having a devastating impact on women and their families in the region.  

At this moment, Australia should be a strong voice for peace, diplomacy and respect for international law. 

Our government should not support wars that violate international law and cause enormous human suffering. 

These illegal attacks come after Israel has already been found by an independent UN Commission to have committed genocide and widespread violations of international law in Gaza.  

US and Israeli attacks on Iran have killed over 1900 civilians, including 168 at a girls’ primary school, and displaced more than 3 million people. 

In Lebanon, Israel’s attacks in Southern Lebanon and Beirut killed over 1500 people and displaced more than one million people.   

Join us and call for Australia to withdraw its military engagement in the region, and to step up its push for an urgent ceasefire that extends to Lebanon.