“Israel’s ordering of a complete siege of Gaza, to halt the supply of electricity, food, water and fuel is a brutal collective punishment, and the Defence Minister calling Palestinians “human animals” must be condemned in the strongest terms by the Australian Government” said Nasser Mashni, the President of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network.
“Israel’s brutal airstrikes of the last three days have terrorised 2 million people who are locked in Gaza, with no place to run or hide. The number of Palestinians killed rises by the moment and must be ceased immediately”.
140 Palestinian children have been killed by Israeli bombs and soldiers in the last four days.
The UN Secretary General has reported that Israeli strikes have already hit two UNRWA schools sheltering displaced families, health facilities, and other reports have documented the killing of at least two journalists, ambulances as well as thousands of homes.
“With the Israeli Government warning “this is just the beginning”, the international community must act to stop Israel completely destroying the lives and infrastructure of the people in Gaza”.
“Palestinian Australians and their supporters have felt horrified by the one-sided response by the Australian Government in the last few days. Israel blatantly disregards international law with its apartheid policies against Palestinians and violent oppression, they must not be given carte blanche to think they can get away with a genocide”.
For further information and interviews:
Jessica Morrison, APAN Executive Officer, 0431 519 577