ANIC Condemns Israel’s Aggression in Gaza and Calls for Government Action

The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) strongly condemns Israel’s continued aggression and attacks in Gaza. These attacks have resulted in the tragic loss of innocent, civilian lives. Reports reveal that, since 7 October 2023, over 15,000 people have been killed, including over 6,000 children and 4,000 women; 36,000 people have been injured, mainly women and children; more than 6,800 individuals are reported missing.

In the Occupied West Bank, the death toll exceeds 237, including 52 children, and injuries number over 2,750.

Since the resumption of military operations by the Israeli Defence Force, the death toll has risen by over 200. The Israeli forces continue to block the entry of aid trucks through the Rafah crossing, as reported by the Palestinian Red Crescent.

The UN warns that the conflict aggravates an already severe humanitarian crisis. The UN has said the fighting will worsen an extreme humanitarian emergency. Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office in Geneva, said “Hell on Earth has returned to Gaza”. It also warns that deaths from disease in Gaza could outstrip deaths from war.

In response to these alarming figures and catastrophe, we call upon the Australian Government to:

1. Call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to prevent further loss of life.
2. Condemn Israel’s indiscriminate and disproportionate use of force against Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
3. Expand Australia’s humanitarian aid commitment to the Palestinian people, addressing the urgent needs arising from this conflict.

The Australian Government has a duty to its citizens and the international community to play its role in stopping the massacres from continuing.

For any media inquiries, please contact ANIC’s Spokesperson, Bilal Rauf, on 1300 765 940 or spokesperson@anic.org.au