The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network calls a further Australian response to Israel’s announcement that it will seize tax revenue from Palestine and expand its illegal settlements to cut off Jerusalem from the West Bank.
Both measures come in the wake of the UN General Assembly vote last week where the overwhelming majority of the world supported Palestine’s increased status in the UN.
“Settlements are the only thing stopping the resumption of the peace process” said Rev Gregor Henderson, acting President of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network. “For Israel to announce such a large expansion is to assert that they are a law unto themselves, and shows that they are not interested in a negotiated peace”.
“Australia must show real action in response to these bullying tactics”. Rev Henderson continued
“We ask Foreign Minister Carr must reinforce his message given last week that settlements are illegal and that Israel has no right or reason to punish Palestinians for seeking recognition”.