2024-01-18
Anthony Albanese must publicly back South Africa’s proceedings against Israel in the International Court of Justice, the Greens say, writing a letter to the Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister.
With the United States and Germany opposing the watershed case, public support by Australia would act as an important counterbalance, sending the clear message that Australia will hold all nations accountable to breaches of international law.
Since October 7, over 24,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel, with more than 10,000 of these being children, and thousands more still unaccounted for.
The Albanese Government has previously intervened in an ICJ court case against Ukraine.
Lines attributable to Acting Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Mehreen Faruqi:
“Australia must publicly support South Africa’s genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice,” Senator Faruqi said.
“The world is watching and Australians are demanding that Anthony Albanese put politics aside, show some guts and be remembered on the right side of history.
“Australians have watched on in horror as Israel has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, all while our government has stubbornly refused to even call for a permanent ceasefire.
“There should be no argument that the Australian government has a responsibility to act decisively to stop the crime of genocide and support punishment for genocide wherever it occurs.
“Ignoring the atrocities being committed by Israel is not going to stop them - it is time the Prime Minister showed the courage to call out Israel’s war crimes and demand justice for Palestinians.”
Lines attributable to Australian Greens Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Senator Jordon Steele-John:
“By supporting these important proceedings, the government can demonstrate that no country is exempt from following international law,” Senator Steele-John said.
“South Africa’s case presents serious and compelling evidence that Israel is committing the crime of genocide.
“As a signatory to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, Australia has a clear moral and legal obligation to prevent breaches of the Genocide Convention.
“Australia must also stop all military and security trade and cooperation with Israel, to push for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and to work to end occupation and apartheid.”