The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) condemns the Australian ambassador’s boycott of the upcoming commemoration of the nuclear bombing of Nagasaki due to the exclusion of Israel’s ambassador.
The exclusion of the Israeli ambassador from this solemn occasion, which is a time to reflect on the immense human suffering caused by nuclear warfare, is completely appropriate, given that by April 2024 Israel had dropped firepower equivalent to five atomic bombs on Gaza, and that Israeli ministers have called for nuclear strikes on Gaza.
Israel’s exclusion from the event is also in line with calls for Israel to be held accountable for its ongoing genocide in Gaza, which has killed almost 40,000 Palestinians, and its illegal occupation and apartheid of Palestine.
Australia’s decision continues to send the dangerous message that, even in the midst of genocide and apartheid, it refuses to hold Israel to account.
The decision also represents the disturbing politicisation of what should be an event honouring the victims of mass killings in Japan and across the globe, and reaffirming the international community’s collective commitment to preventing such atrocities and working towards peace.
APAN urges the Australian Government to reinstate the ambassador’s participation in the Nagasaki commemoration and to take immediate actions to prevent Israel’s genocide in Gaza and hold the rogue state accountable for its atrocities, including:
- Supporting international legal cases regarding Israel’s genocide, occupation, war crimes and apartheid in Gaza and Palestine.
- Expanding sanctions to target Israeli individuals and entities involved in these violations of international law.
- Imposing an arms embargo.
- Suspending all Australian trade, military, and other agreements with Israel.
- Ending diplomatic relations by recalling the Australian ambassador and expelling the Israeli ambassador.
- Cancelling the DGR status of Australian charities supporting Israel’s illegal settlements.
- Investigating and prosecuting dual citizens serving with Israel’s Occupying Forces.
Quotes attributed to APAN President Nasser Mashni:
Australia’s decision to boycott this solemn memorial for the victims of the Nagasaki bombing, in protest at the exclusion of Israel – a state whose ministers have called for the nuclear bombing of Gaza – is an act of moral bankruptcy.
In taking this decision, Australia is choosing to side with a genocidal regime, which is, at this very moment, executing – in broad daylight – policies of mass killings, manufactured starvation, apartheid and institutionalised torture against Palestinians.
Australia must meet its legal obligations and act to prevent genocide and apartheid, and this must include taking tangible measures to cut ties with and apply pressure to see Israel immediately abide by international law.