Tomorrow (5 June) marks 50 years of Israeli military occupation of Palestine
The 5 June marks the 50th anniversary of the Six Day War, and the occupation of Palestinian territories.
Today the Occupation seems frighteningly stable.
Despite UN General Assembly resolution 242 calling on Israel to withdraw, they refuse to comply. Despite rulings from the International Court of Justice in 2004, the wall is still being built. Despite UN Security Council resolution 2334, Israel continues to expand illegal settlements. Throughout the West Bank checkpoints are being upgraded and Israeli-only roads are being built. The blockade of Gaza has been dubbed the largest open air prison in the world, threatening lives daily.
In the process of enforcing its brutal military occupation, in 50 years Israel has
- Killed thousands of Palestinians
- Demolished over 48,000 homes and other buildings
- Confiscated over 586,000 acres of Palestinian land
- Created 300,000 Palestinian refugees
- In direct violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, settled over 600,000 Jewish settlers in the West Bank
- Imprisoned an estimated 40% of Palestinian men in military prisons, including thousands held without charge.
- Prosecuted Palestinians in military courts which have a 99.74% conviction rate.
“Palestinians have lived under a horrific military occupation for longer than almost any other nation in the world. Israel must stop ignoring endless UN resolutions and withdraw back to its recognized borders – the 1948 Armistice line” said Bishop George Browning, President of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network.
In several Morgan Polls conducted over the past six years, Australians clearly and consistently oppose the building of settlements, oppose the bombings of Gaza, and think Australia should be more actively supporting Palestine to become an independent State.
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network is a national peak body for those concerned about Palestinian human rights. It has a range of former diplomats, senior clergy, Palestinians and Jewish people available for interview.