PUBLIC STATEMENT

AAM and ANIC Condemn and Stand Firmly Against the Israeli Occupation Escalation of the War into Lebanon

The Alliance of Australian Muslims (AAM) and Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) condemn and stand firmly against the Israeli occupation’s recent escalation of the war into Lebanon. Over 500 people have been murdered, 1,600 injured, and close to 500,000 civilians have hastily fled their homes after the Israeli occupation rained terror on the South of Lebanon. This comes just a few days after the pager bombs blasted into populated areas, claiming the lives of many innocent people including children.

Israel continues to act as a country above international law. Just last week, a motion to impose sanctions on Israel for its actions in Palestine was introduced at the United Nations, and there is deep disappointment over Australia’s abstention. Now, just days later, we are witnessing the conflict expand into another sovereign state.

 As we approach the one-year mark since Israel’s war and terror on Gaza and the ongoing genocide that has killed the lives of more than 41,000 innocent Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children, injured over 100,000 civilians, and reduced an entire city to rubble, while expanding illegal settlements and occupations in the West Bank, it is clear that the Israeli occupation is intensifying its actions and war, extending terror into neighbouring countries and southern Lebanon.

We therefore call on the international community and the Australian government to take immediate, direct, and effective action to ensure our nation is not complicit in these war crimes and genocide. Additionally, we urge the government to provide safe and secure passage for Australians trapped in Lebanon to return home.

As we continue to stand in solidarity and support our brothers and sisters in Gaza – Palestine, we also stand in solidarity and support our brothers and sisters in Lebanon.

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