2024-05-21
The Greens are calling on the Australian government to publicly support the ICC Chief Prosecutor’s decision to press for the arrests of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and three Hamas leaders, Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh and Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri.
The findings of the International Criminal Court Prosecutor reinforce what so many in our community already knew; there has been serious and sustained breaches of international law in Israel’s genocide in Gaza and Hamas’ attacks on civilians since the October 7th attacks.
Australia cannot proclaim a commitment to upholding an international rules-based order only when it suits us. The ongoing genocide, war crimes and crimes against humans in Gaza must end. The perpetrators must be held to account.
Australia cannot follow the United States’ complete disregard for the independent court, and cannot follow them in denying genocide in Palestine.
Every week the parliament has been in session since October 7th 2023 the Australian Greens have been calling on the government to do more, including:
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Call for a permanent and immediate ceasefire
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Expel Israel's Ambassador to Australia
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Put sanctions on Prime Minister Netanyahu, his war cabinet and other government members
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End military trade with the State of Israel
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Cancel defence contracts with Elbit Systems
Lines attributable to Jordon Steele-John, Greens Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Peace:
“The Greens support the ICC Prosecutor in issuing arrest warrants and pursuing the arrest of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas leaders.
“Australia must immediately respond by expelling Israel’s Ambassador to Australia and putting sanctions on his war cabinet.
“Violence against civilians is never acceptable. Australia needs to call for a permanent and immediate ceasefire to ensure that this genocide ends.
“What is happening in Palestine is deplorable. The IDF is deliberately starving, dehydrating and cutting off Palestinians from aid, with no end in sight. Those responsible must be held to account.”