Joint civil society statement on Australia’s recognition of Palestine

Seventeen Australian civil society organisations have issued a  joint statement  in response to Australia’s recognition of Palestine, saying that while it is welcome, it must be accompanied by urgent action to stop the genocide and war crimes being committed by Israel against Palestinians. This action is both a moral and legal obligation. The statement expresses the gravest concern at the conditions of famine and the ongoing bombing of Gaza, and calls on Australia to use every political, diplomatic and economic channel available to:

• Continue to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the immediate release of all Israeli hostages and unlawfully detained Palestinians.
• Take action to uphold international law and back international accountability mechanisms, including the International Court of Justice and broader accountability measures.
• Halt transfer of lethal weapons and military support to Israel to ensure Australia is not complicit in crimes committed in illegally occupied Palestinian territory.
• Apply full diplomatic pressure to restore principled, safe, unimpeded and sustained access to humanitarian relief in Gaza via a return to UN-led aid delivery mechanism grounded in humanitarian law.
• Advocate for a political solution that ends Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine, lifts the blockade on Gaza and respects Palestinian right to self-determination.

ChildFund Australia CEO, Margaret Sheehan, said: “During 23 months of relentless war in Gaza, we’ve seen targeted and systematic attacks on the very places where children should feel safest – their homes, schools and playgrounds. We’re now seeing the starvation of children and their families as a direct result of Israeli aid restrictions. While Australia’s recognition of Palestinian statehood is an important step, it is not enough. It must be accompanied by urgent and decisive action to protect children and secure an immediate and permanent ceasefire.” Mohamed Duar, Amnesty International spokesperson for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said: “UN recognition of Palestine as a state is undoubtedly significant, but unless this recognition is accompanied by urgent, decisive action by the international community to end Israel’s genocide, unlawful occupation, and crime against humanity of apartheid against the Palestinian people it risks becoming a hollow gesture. “Words alone won’t stop the atrocities. Recognition must be tied to real accountability: Australia must halt arms exports, divest from arms companies that continue to sell arms to Israel, sanction Israeli officials implicated in crimes under international law and continue to push Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.” Michelle Higelin, Executive Director, ActionAid Australia, said: “Australia’s recognition of Palestine is an important step, but it has a moral and legal obligation to do more. Women and their families in Palestine are living through a brutal genocide. Right now, the Israeli military is intensifying its attack on Gaza City, with high rise apartments under relentless bombardment. Palestinians are being starved by Israel’s blockade, and forcibly re-displaced with nowhere safe to go. Australia must take urgent action to end Israel’s impunity.” Oxfam Australia Acting Chief Executive, Dr Chrisanta Muli, said: “Australia’s recognition of Palestine is a landmark decision affirming the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, but it must be more than symbolic. Recognition must be tied to urgent action to end the genocide, lift the blockade, dismantle illegal settlements, and support Palestinian sovereignty and rebuilding.” Susanne Legena, CEO of Plan International Australia, said: “One out of every three people in Gaza have not eaten for days, and eight in every 10 people who have reportedly died from starvation are children. The international community has a moral and legal obligation to work together to bring an end to the violence and ensure unhindered access to humanitarian aid. This is a fundamental right for the people of Gaza.” Kate Lee, Executive Officer, Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA, said: “Australians have mobilised in great numbers, and this recognition of Palestine is a direct result of their demands. But the call to the government is only growing louder: to use all influence, pressure, and diplomatic measures to stop the famine, and to end all military trade with Israel — including parts and components — so Australian exports don’t fuel war crimes.”