Jewish Council disappointed at Australia’s UN abstention, calls for strong international action to prevent Israeli war crimes
September 19, 2024
The Jewish Council of Australia is deeply disappointed at Australia’s abstention from a critical United Nations General Assembly resolution calling on Israel to end its occupation of the Palestinian territories within 12 months. The resolution passed with 124 votes in favour, highlighting global frustration with Israel’s actions.
Australia’s abstention does not align with its commitments to international law and peacebuilding. While the Australian government indicated support for many aspects of the resolution, its failure to vote in favour is a missed opportunity to show stronger, principled leadership.
This vote comes at the same time as further apparent Israeli attacks on Lebanon, a day after the pager attacks.
The Jewish Council of Australia condemns these attacks. Their indiscriminate nature, killing dozens and injuring thousands of civilians, is an apparent war crime which underscores the urgent need for a collective international response to prevent Israel further breaching international law.
We call on the government to join with other countries in condemning the killing of innocent civilians, and reiterate our calls for Australia to take material action by imposing sanctions and throwing its weight behind a global arms embargo.
Sarah Schwartz, Executive Officer, Jewish Council of Australia:
“We condemn the loss of any innocent life. Australia and the international community must take material steps to prevent, and ensure accountability for, the commission of war crimes. These indiscriminate attacks, which have killed innocent bystanders, are the behaviour of a rogue state and should be treated as such.”
Dr Max Kaiser, Executive Officer, Jewish Council of Australia:
“We urge the Australian government to join the vast majority of countries in the international community that are taking a firm stance. Australia can and should be doing more to hold Israel accountable for its unlawful presence in Palestinian territories. The time for decisive action is now.”
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