The ongoing aerial bombing and ground invasion of Gaza by Israel has drawn strong condemnation from multiple Australian organisations including APAN, AFIC, ANIC and AAM denouncing the widespread massacres of innocent civilians, mainly women and children and urged immediate action from the Australian government to hold Israel accountable.
On Thursday 20 March 2025, Israeli forces launched a ground invasion in Rafah, targeting the Shaboura area. The onslaught has resulted in the deaths of at least 591 Palestinians, including 200 children, with over 1,042 injured since the ceasefire was shattered earlier in the week.
In a single day, at least 110 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes. Hospitals across Gaza report devastating losses, with entire families wiped out, including a father and his seven children in Khan Younis.
APAN: Gaza on the brink of catastrophe
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) has condemned Israel’s actions as an outright genocide. The organisation stated that Israel’s Occupation Forces have killed at least 436 Palestinians, including 183 children, since breaching the ceasefire.
APAN also highlighted Israel’s deliberate displacement of thousands by dropping leaflets over Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and eastern Khan Younis, forcing Palestinians to flee amid relentless airstrikes and shelling. With Gaza under a complete blockade, hospitals are running out of essential medical supplies, and children are undergoing amputations without anaesthesia. Food, water, and other necessities are critically scarce, pushing the population beyond the brink of catastrophe.
APAN stressed that Israel’s actions are not mere military operations but a systematic campaign of genocide and apartheid. The organisation called on the international community, including Australia, to demand an end to the genocide and hold Israel accountable for war crimes.
AFIC: Silence is complicity
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) issued a strong statement condemning the indiscriminate bombings of Gaza and the targeting of schools sheltering displaced families. Over 400 people were killed in the past 24 hours alone.
AFIC President Dr Rateb Jneid denounced these atrocities occurring during the sacred month of Ramadan, calling them a grave violation of international law and a blatant disregard for human dignity. The organisation expressed outrage at the silence of Australian political leaders, urging them to take immediate and effective measures:
- Publicly condemn Israel’s actions to uphold principles of justice and human rights.
- Reassess military and economic cooperation with Israel to prevent complicity in human rights violations.
- Support a ceasefire through international diplomacy.
- Increase humanitarian aid to Gaza to alleviate suffering.
- Hold Israel accountable in international courts for war crimes.
AFIC warned that inaction from Australia would amount to complicity in these atrocities and called on all Australians to stand against the ongoing genocide.
AAM & ANIC: Israel’s war crimes must be addressed
The Alliance of Australians for Muslims (AAM) and the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) joined in denouncing Israel’s escalation of indiscriminate airstrikes. In the hours following the ceasefire breakdown, Israeli forces killed over 300 Palestinians, in addition to the 150 deaths during the ceasefire itself. The organisations condemned Israel’s 1,000+ violations of the agreement, including the deliberate starvation of 2 million Gazans by blocking humanitarian aid.
They further accused Israel of using food as a weapon of war, collectively punishing the Palestinian people, and dismantling any hope for peace. The organisations demanded that the Australian government hold Israel accountable, urging:
- An immediate arms embargo against Israel.
- The severing of diplomatic ties, including the recall of Australia’s ambassador to Israel.
- Condemnation of Israel’s war crimes on global platforms.
The organisations stressed that Israel has no intention of limiting Palestinian civilian casualties and that its actions amount to state-sponsored genocide.
Calls for immediate action
The Australian Muslim community, along with various advocacy groups, has called on the government to end its complicity in Israel’s crimes. The continued indifference from global leaders has only emboldened Israel to act with impunity. The international community, especially Australia, must take decisive action to stop the genocide and ensure justice for the Palestinian people.
As Gaza endures relentless airstrikes, mass displacement, and a worsening humanitarian crisis, these organisations demand that Australia stand for justice, human rights, and international law—before it is too late.
Assalamu alaikum ,Continue the good work ,bother Zia Ahmed,
Salam Latheef Farook Sri Lanka