ActionAid welcomes Australian sanctions on Israeli ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich
ActionAid Australia welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement that it will apply sanctions and other measures on Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, in the context of the devastating situation in Gaza.
Michelle Higelin, Executive Director of ActionAid Australia, said:
“The community has been desperate for the Australian Government to go beyond words and take action in solidarity with the Palestinian people, and we’re really glad to see the Government finally heeding those calls.
“For months on end, ActionAid Australia has been lifting the voices of the people we work with in Gaza, campaigning alongside other NGOs and the community to hold the Israeli Government to account over its flagrant breaches to international law. We’ve mobilised thousands of Australians to write to the Prime Minister and their local MPs to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
“It’s encouraging that the community’s voice is starting to be heard, and we hope this is the first step towards further action. These sanctions are in relation to Israeli settler violence in the West Bank. After more than 18 months of Israeli bombardment and three months of an almost total blockade on food, medicine and water entering Gaza we urge Australia to take urgent action to respond to atrocities and breaches of international law in Gaza – including obstruction of humanitarian aid, using starvation as a method of warfare, and targeting of civilians, healthcare workers and facilities, and journalists.”
Two weeks ago, ActionAid Australia Executive Director Michelle Higelin called on the Australian Government to follow the lead of countries like the UK, France and Canada, and commit to taking action such as targeted sanctions.
On 26 May, ActionAid Australia was part of a coalition of Australian NGOs that commissioned YouGov polling which revealed that Australians overwhelmingly (82%) think that Israel’s deliberate blocking of aid into Gaza cannot be justified, with more than two in three Australians believing the Australian Government should do more to ensure civilians have access to food, water and medicine.
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Spokespeople are available for interview.
Contact
Stephanie Wulf, Senior Communications Manager, ActionAid Australia
About ActionAid
ActionAid is a global women’s rights organisation, working with women on the frontlines of injustice – including the climate crisis, conflicts, and humanitarian emergencies. Our dedicated local staff work with more than 41 million people living in 71 countries, supporting women to transform their lives and their communities.