Australian Prime Minister Albanese calls culprits of Melbourne’s synagogue fire, ‘Terrorists,’ but ignores destruction by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) of 814 mosques and three churches in Gaza.

The IDF caused probable deaths of 200,000 Palestinians. Their North Gaza siege focuses on eliminating hospitals, medical staff, journalists and refugees sheltering in UN schools. HRW proved Israel is destroying water-treatment systems and prevents drinking water delivery.

While global condemnation grows, there is one disturbing aspect demanding immediate attention of Leaders: Australians involved in the IDF.

Australia, as signatory to international treaties and a nation built on values of fairness and human rights, must uphold responsibilities to oppose war crimes. Yet, continued allowance of Australians joining the IDF implicated in war crimes, places the government in limbo.

Israeli PM and former Defense Minister have been indicted by the ICC as war criminals.

If PM Anthony Albanese fails to act, he risks Australia’s and his own complicity in these atrocities!

Muslims condemn the Adass Synagogue attack since Allah stresses the sanctity of places of worship: “Had not God checked one set of people by others, there would surely have been destroyed monasteries, churches, synagogues, mosques, in which God’s name is abundantly commemorated. (Quran 22:40)

The US Commission on International Religious Freedoms stresses under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: “An intentional attack on a place of worship may be considered a war crime.”

Ignobly, Israeli aircraft recently destroyed Al-Hassan Mosque, Gaza City while people prayed, massacring 15. Euro-Med HR Monitor found no evidence of military objects, indicating this is another IDF war crime.

On December 20 IDF-protected settlers set another West Bank mosque on fire.

The Australian Centre for International Justice urged the government to investigate citizens engaged in the IDF.

Under Australian law, citizens participating in foreign conflicts can face criminal charges if involvement contravenes international laws.

The precedent was set with laws targeting Australians joining terrorist groups. This principle must be applied consistently.

A troubling number of dual-citizen/volunteer Australians actively serve in IDF warfare.

Allowing Australians join a foreign military implicated in atrocities exposes the government to complicity. By not prohibiting involvement, Australia endorses IDF actions.

PM Albanese’s need to act urgently could rely on a number of  legalities to prevent Australian citizens leaving to join the IDF.

Under Foreign Incursions and Recruitment Act 1978, participation in the IDF could violate this Act.

Secondly, if participation in the IDF is deemed to contribute to human rights violations, this could be a basis for passport cancellations under Australian Passports Act 2005.

Thirdly, since Criminal Code Act 1995 incorporates Australia’s obligations under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and it is highly probable IDF participation involves criminal acts, Australian authorities are required to prevent travel.

Fourthly, under Australian Citizenship Act 2007, Australian dual citizens may lose citizenship if engaged in actions inconsistent with international law.

Fifthly, Australia is committed to the Responsibility  to Protect Doctrine adopted at UN World Summit 2005, which obligates nations to prevent genocide. By permitting Australians serve in the IDF, the government violates this commitment. Albanese can direct the Department of Home Affairs to enforce travel restrictions on citizens suspected of intending to join the IDF.

Addressing the situation where the Attorney-General blocks actions against international crimes using division 268 of Criminal Code Act 1995, Senators Thorpe and Payman introduced their Red Lines Package of three bills to be debated when Federal Parliament resumes.

Ongoing genocide in Palestine is a test of global leadership.

Allowing Australians serve overseas in the IDF, sends a dangerous message that Australia tolerates war crimes.

PM Albanese faces a clear choice. He can uphold Australia’s international obligations, or he can remain silent, becoming complicit in one of the gravest war crimes in history.

The world is watching and history will judge his response.