The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) commends Australia’s vote in support of yesterday’s United Nations General Assembly resolution reaffirming Palestinian sovereignty over natural resources in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and Arab sovereignty over natural resources in the occupied Syrian Golan.
It also reaffirmed the applicability of the Geneva Convention on the protection of civilians in times of war.
Australia has consistently abstained from voting on this same question during the past 13 years, making yesterday’s supportive vote a significant step towards upholding the fundamental rights of Palestinians under international law.
The resolution seeks to address the longstanding and ongoing impacts of Israel’s illegal occupation, exploitation, and destruction of Palestinian natural resources, which has deeply eroded the environmental and economic health of Palestinian communities.
By supporting this resolution, Australia has taken a meaningful stand against the systemic deprivation that has threatened the livelihoods of Palestinians under decades of illegal Israeli occupation.
Furthermore, this resolution underlines the right of Palestinians to claim restitution for the extensive damage caused by Israel’s illegal occupation and exploitation – an essential step toward justice and accountability.
APAN urges the Australian Government to build on this position with further tangible action to help bring an end to Israel’s genocide in Gaza and its apartheid in Palestine, including via the imposition of sanctions, a two-way arms embargo, the suspension of trade to this rogue state, and further support for international legal actions to hold Israel accountable.
Comments attributed to APAN President Nasser Mashni:
“This vote is a long-overdue recognition of Palestinians’ inalienable rights and a clear stand against Israel’s illegal occupation and exploitation of Palestinian people and natural resources.
“Australia’s support marks an acknowledgment of the catastrophic impact of Israel’s relentless appropriation and destruction of Palestinian resources and sends a clear signal that the world is demanding accountability for these injustices.
“This vote should be a turning point for the Australian Government – it must recognise and act upon its legal obligation to use all economic, political and diplomatic tools at its disposal to help end Israel’s genocide, illegal occupation, and apartheid in Palestine.”