Israel violates ceasefire and slaughters Palestinians in the West Bank – Australia must act now

Jan 23, 2025

The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network demands immediate Australian action to pressure Israel to end its ongoing genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people, as Israeli violence continues in Gaza in clear violation of the ceasefire, as well as in the occupied West Bank.

Israeli forces have killed 10 people and wounded dozens in a brutal military invasion of Jenin, deploying Apache helicopters and engaging in indiscriminate violence.

Israeli settlers, emboldened by the protection of Israeli forces, are torching Palestinian homes, vehicles and businesses across the West Bank, terrorising communities in a coordinated campaign of ethnic cleansing.

In Bethlehem, Israeli Occupation Forces have tightened their stranglehold, isolating entire communities with military gates and barriers to displace Palestinians and expand illegal settlements.

Israel has also arbitrarily arrested 64 Palestinians, including children as young as seven, during raids in Qalqilya, just one day after releasing 90 Palestinian hostages from its prisons as part of the ceasefire deal.

These attacks and detentions all come following the Israeli violation of the new ceasefire, just 24 hours after it came into force, with Israeli snipers killing a Palestinian child in Rafah, and opening fire on another Palestinian who tried to reach the child. This is further undeniable proof of Israel’s war crimes and genocidal intent.

The Australian government’s continuing silence and lack of action in the face of these atrocities represents an appalling failure to meet its international obligations. By continuing to offer political support to Israel, including through the Attorney General Mark Dreyfus’ recent trip to Israel, Australia is complicit in the ongoing genocide and occupation.

The Australian government can no longer ignore its responsibilities under international law. It must take immediately end its support for Israel’s war crimes:

  • Suspend all trade and diplomatic relations with Israel.
  • Implement sanctions against Israeli officials and entities responsible for these crimes.
  • Impose a two-way arms embargo.
  • Join international efforts to hold Israel legally accountable for its genocide and apartheid.
  • Support the Palestinian struggle for justice, liberation and equality.