Below is an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong and Minister of Defence, Richard Marles initiated by Jews Against the Occupation ‘48. See below to sign on.

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Dear Prime Minister and Ministers,

We will be straightforward.

We had believed that, beneath the realities of political life, you were principled people, with a deep respect for your office and for the law, including international law. We had assumed that you valued Australia’s international standing enough to ensure our adherence to these laws. We had hoped that you, as representatives of the Australian people, would take Australia’s responsibilities as a member of the international community of nations very seriously.

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As Australia has signed and ratified the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Conventions (specifically the Genocide Convention, the Children’s Rights Convention and the Refugee Rights Convention), we had expected ethically coherent and legally appropriate actions from you in response to the unspeakable harm Israel has unleashed on Palestine.

We have been hoping and waiting in vain. Nothing in the past twelve months has propelled you into meaningful action.

No number of Palestinian children killed or maimed and traumatised for life; no number of Palestinians, including minors, tortured and raped in Israeli prisons and detention camps; no number of civilians driven from place to desolate place in forced evacuations.

No amount of wanton destruction of Palestinian towns, villages, schools,........

© Green Left Weekly