Sydney – Twenty leading organisations from Australia’s Muslim community have released a strongly worded statement condemning Israeli attacks against Palestine’s civilian population and criticising the Australian Government for defending what they described as Israel’s “heinous crimes”. The statement was issued in response to the outbreak of hostilities by Israel upon Palestine last week that has left over 160 mainly civilians dead and led to the destruction of essential infrastructure in Gaza.
The statement, an unprecedented unified message from both Sunni and Shia community leaders and organisations, was especially critical of Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
“We acknowledge and regret civilian casualties on both sides of the conflict. Community leaders have expressed their disappointment that Prime Minister Gillard has not taken a strong stance against the excessive and indiscriminate use of force by Israel against Palestinian civilians, as well as the continual destruction of essential infrastructure”, the statement said.
The statement also welcomed the cease fire and called upon the Australian government to exert more pressure on Israel to comply with its obligations under international law to end the blockade of Gaza.
“The Australian Muslim community declares its support for the people of Palestine and prays for the relief of their suffering. We welcome the ceasefire and hope both parties abide by it to prevent further loss of life”.
In response to the pro Israel media bias that has tarnished the reporting of several mainstream Australian media outlets, the community leaders also called upon the media to report on the events in Gaza without fear or favour
A copy of the statement and the signatories can be found below and online here:
RELATED:
Press Release
Friday, 23rd November 2012
“Australian Muslim community urges Australian government to condemn the indiscriminate killing of Palestinian civilians”
The Australian Muslim community condemns in the strongest possible terms the attacks by Israel against the civilian Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip. In less than a week, more than 160 Palestinians have been killed, many of them civilians. Despite this, the Australian government has steadfastly stood by Israel and has defended its inhumane actions.
We acknowledge and regret civilian casualties on both sides of the conflict. Community leaders have expressed their disappointment that Prime Minister Gillard has not taken a strong stance against the excessive and indiscriminate use of force by Israel against Palestinian civilians, as well as the continual destruction of essential infrastructure.
The Australian government must condemn these heinous crimes. Palestinians living in the Occupied Territories have endured for far too long the consequences of unjust Israeli policies and the Muslim community condemns acquiescence regarding this issue.
As a member of the UN Security Council, Australia now bears an even greater responsibility to be a just and responsible global player. It must exert more pressure on Israel to comply with its obligations under International law and end its illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip.
The Australian Muslim community declares its support for the people of Palestine and prays for the relief of their suffering. We welcome the ceasefire and hope both parties abide by it to prevent further loss of life.
The Australian Muslim community also calls on the Australian media outlets to report the situation in Gaza fairly and without prejudice.
For media enquiries please contact:
Ms Randa Abdel-Fattah on 0411 135 654 Mr Samier Dandan on 0414 998 008
Ms Randa Abdel-Fattah on 0411 135 654 Mr Samier Dandan on 0414 998 008
Statement on behalf of:
Islamic Council of New South Wales (ICNSW)
Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV)
Australian National Imams Council (ANIC)
Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA)
Islamic Egyptian Society
United Muslim Women Association (UMWA)
United Muslims of Australia (UMA)
Australian Muslim Women’s Association (AMWA)
Australian Islamic Voice
Australian Islamic Mission
Nabi Akram Islamic Centre
Australian Islamic House
Islamic Women’s Welfare Association
Muslim Women’s Association of South Australia Inc
Ahl Assunnah Wal Jama’ah Association
Australian MEFF Consortium (MEFF)
Islamic Foundation for Education and Welfare (IFEW)
Progeny Islamic Publications
Al-Jaafaria Shia Islamic Centre
Hills District Muslim Society (HDMS)
Islamic Shia Council of Queensland
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